QUESTION BOOK: 



E M BRACING 



BOOKS OF JOSHUA AND JUDGES. 



Safibatfj Steals ani JSftle Classes* 



By JOHN TODD, 



NORTHAMPTON : 
B RID G MAN & GUILDS. 

BOSTON : MASS. S. S. SOCIETY. NEW YORK : SHELDON 
AND CO. ST. LOUIS : J. W. MCINTYRE. 



7l 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1862, by 

BBJDGMAN & CHILDS, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. 



z 2 t n> * 



Stereotyped and Printed by Weight & Potteb, 
4 Spring Lane, Boston. 



in* 



QUESTIONS. 



LESSON I. 

- 7 

THE APPOINTMENT OF JOSHUA. 

After what individual is the book of Joshua named ? 

What was his original name ? Num. xiii. 8. 

What other books in the Bible bear the name of 
their authors ? 

Are there any books called by the name of the prin- 
cipal actor, although written by some other person ? 

How many of these can you name ? 

By whom was the book of Joshua probably written ? 
Joshua. 

Who appointed Joshua as Moses' successor ? Num. 
xxvii. 18 ; Deut. xxxi. 7. 

Was this the fulfilment of a prophecy ? Deut. i. 38. 

Is this book a record of the whole life of Joshua, or 

ly that part pertaining to his government of Israel ? 

How old was Joshua when appointed to this office ? 
^bout ninety-three years. 

How long a period does this book embrace r Be- 
tween twenty- six and twenty- seven years, 

Yerse 1. How long had Moses been dead when this 
history commences ? Thirty days. 

Why was Joshua peculiarly adapted to his office ? 

1. He had been trained to the work by long 
intercourse with Moses. 

2. He had learned to obey, and would be hum- 
ble in promotion. 

3. He had gained the confidence of the people 
in the matter of the spies. Num. xiv. 6-10. 

Of whom is Joshua the tvpe ? Christ. 

(3) 



1. He saved God's people from the Canaanites. 
Our Lord saves them from their sins. 

2. He was the captain — leader of the people. 
Christ leads his people to the heavenly Canaan. 
Heb. ii. 10. 

How do we know that Joshua and Jesus are the 
same name ? Acts vii. 45. 

Which is Hebrew, and which Greek ? 

Yer. 2. How was Joshua's faith tested at the outset? 

Why did this require strong faith ? 

1. Because the recent death of Moses would 
tend to dishearten the people. 

2. Because the Jordan was impassable, ch. 
iii. 15. 

3. He had no means of crossing the river, as 
bridges or boats. 

Ver. 3, 4. What territory was included in the 
promise ? 

What " great sea" is meant ? Mediterranean. 

Yer. 5-8. What did God require of Joshua, in or- 
der to secure his success ? 

1. Faith in His promise to be with him. 

2. Courage to meet all difficulties. 

3. Study and observance of the law of God. 
What was to be his reward ? 

Yer. 11. Did the children of Israel still have manna ? 

When did it cease ? Josh. v. 12. 

Is it probable they had other provisions ? Ex. 
xvi. 35. 

Yer. 13. What word of Moses is here referred to ? 
Num. xxxii. 20-28. 

Did Joshua's address include merely the two tribes 
and a half, as regarded the duty of action ? 

What great responsibility besides conquering the 
land was laid upon Joshua ? Its division. 

Yer. 16. What engagement did the people enter into 
with Joshua ? 

Did this reply represent the response of the whole 
host ? 

Were any men of valor to remain with the wives 
and children ? Seventy thousand. Compare Josh. iv. 
13 with Num. xxvi. 



How many armed men were there in all ? Num. xxvi. 

Why were the people disposed to support Joshua's 
government ? Deut. xviii. 18, 19. 

Ver. 18. Why was the law against rebels necessary r 
Because they were entering on a war, when the re- 
sults of disobedience would be more disastrous than 
ever before. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

To do well in an inferior station is the best recom- 
mendation for promotion ? 

When good men die, those who remain should be 
zealous to fill their places ? 

The best means of inspiring true courage is to read 
and obey the Bible ? 

The certainty of God's promises does not excuse in- 
action ? 

When the path of duty is plain, we should hasten to 
follow it ? 

The best blessing men can ask for those in authority, 
is, that they may have the presence of God with them ? 

To rebel against rightful authority is rebellion against 
God ? 



LESSON II. 

THE SPIES. 

Verse 1. When, probably, had these men been sent? 
Josh. i. 10. "Had sent" is the meaning. 

Why not send more than two ? 

Do we know their names ? 

Where was Shittim? About eight miles east of 
Jordan. 

What kind of people formerly dwelt there? Num. 

XXV. 1. 

Why was it called Shittim r Probably from the tree 
that abounded in that region. The Shuttah is supposed 
to be that from which our gum arabic comes. 
1* 



6 

" Secretly." Does this refer to his manner of send- 
ing, or the way they were to act ? 

Was this measure such as all prudent generals would 
take? 

What do we now call such an act ? Reconnoissance. 

How far was Jericho from the river ? Eight miles. 

Would as much disgrace be attached to Rahab in 
those times as now ? 

What reason have we to think she became a good 
woman? Heb. xi. 31 ; James ii. 25. N 

What Israelite did she afterwards marry ? Matt. i. 5. 

Does the fact that the opprobrious appellation re- 
mained, prove that her character was not altered ? No. 
See Matt. x. 3, xxvi. 6. 

Why go to that house rather than any other ? ver. 15. 

Yer. 2. What made them suspected ? 

What made them think they came for this object ? 

Ver. 3. Was hospitality, in those days, universal and 
sacred ? 

Were there any public hotels, as we have ? 

Was Rahab probably the only person in the city of 
Jericho to whom the spies could have gone safely ? 

Ver. 4. What induced Rahab to assist these spies? 
Heb.xi. 31. 

How much did she risk by this deception? Her life. 

How can you reconcile James ii. 25 with Rom. iii. 8 ? 

1. Her faith in the God of Israel caused her to 
risk her life to aid his cause . 

2. She was in a strait between two evils, from 
which she saw no escape but by lying. 

3. Her education and moral sense of wrong 
were probably deficient as regarded the sin of 
lying. 

Will the example of Rahab justify us in deception, 
with good motives ? No ; because, 

1. Her circumstances were so peculiar, that we 
are not likely to be tempted as she was. 

2. We have so much greater knowledge of right 
and wrong that we should be condemned, 
while she was forgiven. 

Is there any similar instance of a woman's hiding two 
men from their enemies, in the Bible ? 2 Sam. xvii. 
19, 20. 



Ver. 6. Why was the flax laid upon the roof? 

How were the roofs made } Deut. xxii. 8. 

Yer. 7. Why were the gates immediately shut ? 

Yer. 9. Was" the terror of the people of Jericho the 
fulfilment of a prophecy ? Deut. xi. 25 ; Ex. xv. 15. 

Yer. 11. Did Rahab have more evidence of the true 
God than the rest of the people of Canaan : 

What proof have we that her faith in God was 
genuine r 

Yer. 12. Did Rahab's request prove her unselfish ? 

Yer. 14. What promise did the men make r 

Yer. lo. Is there a similar instance of escape men- 
tioned in the Bible ? Acts ix. 25. 

Could these men have escaped if Rahab had lived in 
the midst of the city, as easily ? 

Yer. 18-20. What requirements did these men claim 
from Rahab as the terms of their agreement ? 

1. She must mark her house by the scarlet 
thread. 

2. She must gather her family into the house, 
and keep them there. 

3. She must be faithful, and not betray them. 
Yer. 22. How long were the spies gone on their 

errand r Three days. They started the sixth day of 
March, escaped from Jericho the same night, and spent 
the seventh day and part of the eighth in the moun- 
tains, when they returned to Joshua. 

Yer. 23. What is meant by " passed over " ? 

Yer. 24. What report did they bring ? 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

God works out great plans by means of humble in- 
struments r 

Men may be terrified without repentance ? 

Faith in God is a saving grace I 

In making promises, we must adhere to that which 
we can surely perform ? 

When God forsakes people on account of their sins, 
he allows every thing to contribute to their destruction r 

We should be eager for the salvation of others ? 



God can protect his children, even under the most 
dangerous circumstances ? 



LESSON III. 

THE MIRACLE AT JORDAN. 

Yerse 1. Was it a habit with Joshua to rise early ? 
Josh. vi. 12, vii. 16, viii. 10. 

Why did they lodge on the banks of the river, before 
crossing over ? 

1. It was probably near night when they ar- 
rived. 

2. They would naturally wait for daylight for 
so great an event. 

3. The impression on the Canaanites would be 
much more terrible if they saw the miracle. 

Did the Canaanites seem to anticipate the drying up 
of the river? ch. ii. 10. 

Why might the Israelites have expected some great 
miracle ? 

1. From their experience at the Red Sea. Ex. 
xiv. 22. 

2. From the total want of visible means of get- 
ting over. 

3. From the assurance that they were to pass to 
the other side. ch. i. 11. 

How long did they lodge by the river ? One night. 

Ver. 2. Why did the officers go among the people? 
To direct them what to do, and what to expect. 

Does " after three days" mean from the time they 
reached the Jordan, or from the time of the proclama- 
tion? ch. i. 10, 11. 

Ver. 3. Did the priests ordinarily bear the ark ? 
Num. iv. 15. 

Were they called upon on solemn occasions? ch. 
vi. 6. 

Where had the ark formerly been carried ? In the 
midst of the multitude. 

Who built this ark? Ex. xxxvii. 1. 



9 

What did the ark represent ? God's presence with 
them. 

Was the crossing of the Jordan foretold by Moses ? 
Ex. xv. 15-17. 

Yer. 4. How much space would two thousand cubits 
make ? About one thousand yards, or two thirds of a 
mile. 

What was the object of having the ark so much in 
advance ? 

1. They could all see it, to follow it, as they 
could not if it was in the front ranks of the 
host. 

2. To show their reverence for the ark, and 
their confidence in its protection. 

Yer. 5. Was this command customary on important 
occasions ? Ex. xix. 10 ; Num. xi. 18 ; 1 Sam, xvi. 5 ; 
Joel ii. 16. 

Yer. 7. How did the Lord honor Joshua at this 
time? 

1. By addressing him from the mercy- seat. 

2. By making him the instrument of performing 
a mighty miracle. 

3. By making him great in the eyes of the 
people. 

Yer. 8. Why were the priests commanded to stand 
still on the brink of the Jordan r ver. 13. 

Yer. 9. What was Joshua's object in addressing the 
people at this time ? 

Yer. 10. Why is He called the "living God" ? 

Yer. 12. Eor what purpose were these twelve men 
chosen ? ch. iv. 4. 

Yer. 13. Was this the first knowledge the people had 
of the manner in which they were to cross the river ? 

What is significant in the words " shall stand upon 
a heap " ? That the waters were not to be allowed to 
overflow the banks, and spread widelv, but to rise as a 
wall. 

Yer. 15. WTiat made the dividing of the Jordan a 
greater miracle than it would be at some seasons ? 

What time of the year did this occur ? March or 
April. 

What harvest was this ? The barley harvest. 



10 

Ver. 16. Where was Zaretan ? 1 Kings iv. 12. East 
of the Jordan, near Succoth. 

What does the fact that they passed over right against 
Jericho prove ? 

1. They defied their enemies by their boldness. 

2. They had the inducement of securing the 
city at once. 

3. Their enemies would be filled with greater 
dismay, because they advanced in sight of the 
city. \ 

Yer. 17. How could the priests that carried the ark 
stand still in the midst of the river's bed, and still pre- 
serve the distance of two thousand cubits? They 
probably stood on one side, at this distance, where all 
the people could see the ark as they passed. 

What was the object in having the ark remain still 
during the passage? To show that the same power 
that parted the waters kept them apart. 

At what point did this miracle probably take place ? 
Bethabara. 

Where was it situated } Thirty miles north-east of 
Jerusalem. 

What afterwards occurred at this place ? John i. 28. 

Where else in the Bible is this place mentioned. 
Judg. vii. 24. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

God delights to honor those that honor Him ? 

With God's protection we may venture even into the 
midst of danger ? 

With God all things are possible ? 

We may be sure we are in the path of duty if we 
have God's presence with us ? 

Men will reverence those whom God blesses ? 

The commands of God must be exactly obeyed, or 
we fail to carry out His plans ? 

God's promises always come to pass ? 

It is just as easy for God to perform a miracle at one 
time as another ? 

God will not allow one of His people to fail of salva- 
tion if they obey His commands ? 



11 

LESSON IV. 

THE MEMORIAL. 

Verse 1. What is the meaning of "clean passed 
over " : 

Ver. 2. Where are these twelve men mentioned 
before ? ch. in. 12. 

"Why was it desirable to have each tribe represented ? 

Who chose these men ? 

Ver. 3. Did Moses foretell this memorial? Dent. 
xxvii. 1-8. 

Why wonld it not have been as well if Joshua had 
done this without the command of God ? 

1. It would have appeared like a memorial of 
his own honor. 

2 . It would not have commanded so much regard 
from posterity. 

Why would not the people have thought of setting 
up such a monument ? 

1. Some would be stupid and careless about 
hawing it remembered. 

2. Some would be so impressed that they would 
not suppose it could be forgotten. 

Ver. 4. Did Joshua anticipate this event when he 
appointed the men ? 

Ver. 5. Why was it desirable to take these stones 
from the bed of the river ? 

How do we know that these stones were large and 
heavy? They carried them on their shoulders. 

Did these men return to the midst of the river, or 
stop on their way over ? 

Ver. 6. 7. Was this method of commemorating an 
event common in the early history of the world ? Gen. 
xxxi. 46 ; Ex. xxiv. 4. 

What was the advantage of this custom ? 

How was knowledge generally transmitted in those 
days ? Orally. 

"Why are not such monuments as necessary now ? 

Ver. 8. Who are meant here by the children of 
Israel ? Their representatives, the twelve men. 






12 

Ver. 9. What was the advantage of having two 
heaps of stones set up ? 

Were these stones probably visible after the waters 
flowed back ? 

Does "unto this day" mean that the stones are there 
now? 

Ver. 10. Why are we told again that the people 
passed over ? 

1. To give the additional idea of haste. 

2. In contrast to the fact that the priests stood 
still. 

Why did they hasten ? 

1. Some lacked faith, and feared the return of 
the waters. 

2 . Some, although confident in the power of God, 
did not know how long the miracle might last. 

3. Some, knowing their own guilt, remembered 
Pharaoh and his army. 

4. Some longed to reach Canaan. 

5. Some simply to keep up with the rest. 

Yer. 11. Why did the priests wait until the last 
thing ? 

Did the multitude stop on the opposite bank to see 
the end of this wonderful miracle ? 

Yer. 12, 13. Did the two tribes promise to lead the 
way ? Num. xxxii. 27. 

What was to be their reward ? Num. xxxii. 29. 

Yer. 14. In what way did the people fear Moses and 
Joshua ? They honored and respected their authority. 

Yer. 16-18. Why is this fact repeated ? 

1. To show the power of obedience. The priests 
waited for the commands of Joshua, and 
Joshua, those of God. 

2. To show that it was the direct power of God's 
presence to cause this miracle. 

3. To show that the stopping of the waters was 
not the result of any natural cause. 

Yer. 19. Why was this called the first month ? Ex. 
xii. 2. 

On what anniversary did the children of Israel enter 
into Canaan ? Ex. xii. 14. 

What were they to do on this day ? Ex. xii. 3. 



13 

How long had they been on this journey from Egypt ? 
Forty years, lacking five days. 

Was* Gilgal the name of this place before, or was it 
given afterwards ? ch. v. 9. 

What is the meaning of Gilgal ? Rolling away. 

Ver. 20. How far had these stones been brought r 
From three to five miles. 

Ver. 21, 22. Is it possible that these very stones were 
referred to in Matt. iii. 9 and Luke xix. 40 ? 

Yer. 23. How many were present at this time who 
crossed the Red Sea ? Only two. 

Who were they ? Num. xiv. 30. 

Ver. 24. Was this memorial intended for others 
besides the children of Israel ? 

Why is it of little consequence whether those stones 
are there now or not ? 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

Those who would increase in wisdom must begin by 

asking questions when they are young ? 

Parents should not refuse to answer the inquiries of 

children ? 

Obedience to those in authority is obedience to God r 
Those who fight for a reward must not mind danger r 
Present mercies should bring to mind former blessings r 
Miracles are not only for the benefit of those who 

witness them ? 

Only those who serve God escape the condemnation 

of sinners ? 

Those who have the highest honors incur the greatest 

responsibility ? 



LESSON V. 

THE CIRCUMCISION AND THE PASSOYER. 

Verse 1. From whom were the Amorites descended ? 
Gen. x. 15, 16. 

What was their moral character ? Gen. xv. 16. 
2 



14 

What kings of the Amorites had Moses conquered ? 
Deut. iv. 46, 47. 

What three tribes of the Amorites are mentioned ? 

1. One which inhabited Lebanon. 

2. One in Mount Gilead, between the Arnon and 
Jabbok Rivers. 

3. One in Mount Paran, between Sinai and Ka- 
desh-Barnea. 

What sea is this ? Mediterranean. 
What is meant by heart melting ? 
Why did the passage of Israel over the river frighten 
them so much? 

1. They considered the river itself a natural bar- 
rier to keep them out. 

2. They had no thought that it could be passed 
at the season of the flood. 

3. They were convinced that it was a miracle. 
Where do we find a beautiful description of the feel- 
ings of the children of Israel at this time? Compare 
Song of Sol. viii. 5 with vi. 10. 

In this fear of the Canaanites, what prophecy was 
fulfilled? Ex. xxiii. 27. 

Ver. 2, 3. When was the rite of circumcision first 
instituted? Gen. xvii. 23. 

Were those who came out of Egypt circumcised? 
ver. 4. 

What protected them from their enemies, while they 
were being circumcised the first time ? Darkness, 
which was miraculous. 

What now protected them from their enemies ? Eear. 

How long had this rite been omitted ? ver. 6. 

What was its great value ? 

1. It brought them into covenant with God. 

2. It distinguished them from other nations. 
What was there in this command which would try 

the faith of Joshua, and of the people ? 

Yer. 4. What was the cause of their dying in the 
wilderness ? Rebellion. 

Were there any exceptions ? Num. xiv. 30. 

What prophecy was fulfilled? Num. xiv. 22, 23. 

Yer. 5. Was the omission of this rite probably a 
token of divine displeasure ? 



15 

Yer. 6. When, -where, and why were that generation 
thus condemned ? Num. xiii. and xiv. 

What is meant by ' ' a land flowing with milk and 
honey" r Very fruitful in every thing. 

Yer. 8. Why did not their enemies now attack 
them ? ver. 1. 

Yer. 9. What is meant by the ' ' reproach of Egypt " ? 
It may mean, 

1. The marks of heathen Egypt ; or, 

2. The sin by which they wished to return to 
Egypt; or, 

3. The taunt of Egypt, that God could not 
bring them to Canaan. 

Yer. 10. Had the Passover been kept regularly in 
the wilderness ? 

How many times had they kept it before this? Ex. 
xii; Num. ix. 1, 2. 

What reference to this act does David make? Ps. 
xxiii. 5. 

Yer. 11, 12. How, probably, did they get this corn? 
It was left by the Canaanites. 

What was the "parched corn"? Green corn, 
roasted. 

What day was "the morrow after the Passover": 
The sixteenth day. 

What offering was required on the sixteenth day r 
Lev. xxiii. 10, 11. 

Why did the manna cease ? 

How long had they eaten it ? 

Yer. 13. Was this a real man, or one in the appear- 
ance of a man ? 

Who is this supposed to have been ? Christ. 

Why? 

1 . The same title is used in Is. vi. 

2 . He accepted worship from Joshua, as a created 
being would not have done, Rev. xix. 10, 
and xxii. 9 ; Judges xiii. 16. 

3. The place was made holy by His presence. 

4. He is called the Lord. ch. vi. 2. 

Of what was the drawn sword an emblem ? God's 
aid. 

What mark of courage does Joshua show ? 



16 

Ver. 14. By what two acts does Joshua show that he 
understood his true character ? 

Ver. 15. "When had such a command been given 
before ? Ex. iii. 5. 

Was that person and this probably the same ? 

This chapter is divided wrong. Where should the 
sixth begin ? At the thirteenth verse. 

Why ? It divides the account of the divine appear- 
ance. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

There are times when men have to forego religious 
privileges ? 

God's commands are to be obeyed, though we cannot 
see the wisdom of them ? 

Religious institutions are not lost, though for a time 
forgotten ? 

The words of God against sin will come to pass ? 

Though a whole generation may dishonor God, the 
next may serve him ? 

Sin is a reproach to any people ? 

Special religious services should be observed when 
we are about to make great changes ? 

God does not work miracles when the ordinary course 
of providence is sufficient? 

God is faithful to keep his promises to aid his people ? 

He is able to subdue our spiritual foes ? 

He can prepare his servants to receive special com- 
mands, and perform special duties ? 



LESSON VI. 

THE SIEGE OF JERICHO. 

Verse 1. Does this mean shut up by the people of the 
city, or by Israel ? ch. ii. 5. 

In what did they trust for their safety in the city ? 

Ver. 2. What had Joshua done before this in this in- 
terview? ch. v. 15. 



17 

What does his being called the Lord here prove ? 

"I have given." How could this be when the city 
was not yet conquered ? 

"What is meant by mighty men of valor ? Expe- 
rienced warriors. 

Yer. 3. Are we to suppose that all the Israelites 
marched around Jericho ? 

What two reasons for supposing they did not ? 

What benefits would result from taking the city in 
this way ? 

1. To show God's power. 

2. To honor the ark. 

3. To honor the priesthood. 

4. To try the faith of Israel. 

5. To give courage for future conquests. 

6. To show that God can punish the wicked in 
ways that men would never think of. 

7. To show that He can use weak means as well 
as strong. 

Yer. 4. Can we tell why the priests should be seven ? 
Is it certain that these trumpets were literally rams' 
horns ? No ; because, 

1. We use a brass instrument called a horn. 

2. We use a brass instrument called a serpent, 
because it is crooked. 

These trumpets might have been crooked like the 
ram's horn. 

Why did God direct them to do this so long before 
the city fell ? 

How many times did they march around it in all ? 

Yer. o. Did every part of the walls fall down r 
ver. 22. 

Yer. 6. What do you understand the ark was ? 

How large, and what shape was it ? Ex. xxxvii. 1-5. 

What was in it? Ex. xxv. 16 ; Deut. x. 2. 

Who was afterwards slain for touching the ark ? 1 
Chron. xiii. 9. 

Yer. 8. "What is meant by passing on before the 
Lord r 

Yer. 9. What tribe always marched in the rear? 
Num. x. 25. 

Yer. 10. Why might they not talk or shout ? 
2* 



18 

Ver. 13. What was signified by sounding the trum- 
pets? 

1. Ruin to God's enemies. 

2. Courage to His people. 

Ver. 15, Why could not all the people have been in 
the procession ? 

Why could not the city have been very large ? 

Yer. 16. Were the people expecting this command? 

Ver. 17. What does "accursed" mean? Devoted 
to destruction. 

Ver. 18. Why was it forbidden to save anything? It 
was the first fruits of Canaan, and belonged to the 
Lord. 

What was the penalty of disobeying this command ? 

Ver. 19. Why were the silver and gold saved? To 
honor God with. 

Ver. 20. What miracles are included in this account ? 

Ver. 21. Why were the cattle destroyed ? 

Why was not this destruction cruel in Joshua ? God 
commanded it. 

Why not cruel in God ? On account of their wick- 
edness. How might they have been cut off ? 
By famine. 
By flood. 
By pestilence. 
By earthquake. 
By lightning. 

By the sword. God is holy. He uses which he 
pleases. 

Why were the children destroyed ? The destiny of 
families is bound together. Had they been cut off in 
any other way, the children would have perished too. 

Does God punish the wicked as a warning to others ? 
Num. xvi. ; 1 Cor. x. 11. 

Does God punish his own people by the hand of 
man ? Ex. xxxii. 27 ; Ps. xvii. 13, 14. 

Ver. 22. Why was Bahab's house safe when the wall 
fell? 

Ver. 23. Why were they left without the camp ? For 
cleansing from heathenism. 

Ver. 24. What is meant by " house of the Lord " ? 

Ver. 25. How do we know that Bahab was a good 
woman ? 



19 

1. She continued to dwell among them. 

2. She married a Jew, and became an ancestor 
of Christ. Matt. i. o. 

3. She is commended for her faith. 

Yer. 26. Did Joshua utter this curse on his own re- 
sponsibility ? 1 Kings xvi. 34. 

Was the Jericho mentioned in our Saviour's time 
probably on the old site, or a new situation ? 

Who was the man that tried to brave this curse ? 

What was the result ? 

How long was this after the curse was pronounced ? 
About five hundred and fifty years. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

The future is the same as present with God ? 

God may give commands without explaining them ? 

No walls or valor can resist God's plans ? 

God does not act as if in haste in carrying out his 
plans r 

The defence of a people is the favor of the Lord? 

God may take our forfeited lives in such a way as he 
sees best r 

God never forgets his people ? 

The vilest sinner may become an eminent saint ? 

God takes pleasure in recording the good deeds of his 
people r 

Genuine faith will produce good works ? 

The divine curse on the wicked will surely come upon 
them ? 



LESSON VII. 

THE SIX OF ACHA>\ 

Yerse 1. How can the sin be laid to the children of 
Israel, when one man committed it ? 

Who was the real transgressor ? 

Why were the names of his ancestors mentioned ? 
Parents must share the disgrace or the honors of their 
children. 



20 

What is the object of such an arrangement in Provi- 
dence ? To lead parents to be careful in training chil- 
dren. 

What is meant by the " accursed thing" ? ch. vi. 17. 

Yer. 2. By what other names was this place called ? 
Gen. xii. 8; Neh. xi. 31. 

How far was it from Jerusalem ? Ten miles, north. 

Do you know the names of these men ? 

What do we call men thus sent ? Scouts. 

Yer. 3-5. What was the report of these scouts ? 

Was it a wise report ? 

What made them so self-confident ? Probably their 
success at Jericho. 

In what two things did they make a mistake ? 

1. As to the strength of the city. ch. viii. 25. 

2. God was not with them, on account of their 
unrepented sin. 

In what did Joshua seem to err ? In not consulting 
God. 

What is the difference between faith and presump- 
tion? 

Which was it in this case ? 

What would be the effect of this defeat on Israel ? 
Show them that God was displeased. 

What effect would it have on the Canaanites ? Harden 
them, and make them feel secure. Ps. lxxi. 11. 

Yer. 6. Was this the usual way of expressing grief 
in those days ? 

Why did he not blame the spies, and the cowardice 
of the soldiers ? He saw the hand of God was in it. 

Why did he go and fall down near the ark ? 

How long was he engaged in prayer and fasting ? 

Was this unbecoming a general ? 

Yer. 7. Was this prayer one of complaint, or deep 
distress ? 

Does he mean that he really wished they had not 
crossed the Jordan, or that they might be tempted so to 
wish ? 

Yer. 8, 9. What two great fears pressed on his 
mind? 

1. Lest thousands of his people would have to 
lose their lives. 



21 

2. Lest the great name of God be blasphemed. 
Compare Ex. xxxii. 12 ; Num. xiv. 13 ; Joel 
ii. 27. 

Ver. 10. Was the cause of the loss of battle one 
that prayer alone could remove ? 

What else was needed ? 

Did God intend to reprove him for praying, or call 
him to another duty ? 

Is prayer all the duty we have ? 

Ver. 11. How was it that the sin was charged to 
Israel ? Compare Matt. xxvi. 8 with John xii. 4, 5. 

Do our sins involve our friends and associates ? 

Would a whole school suffer for the faults of one ? 

Ver. 12. Had Israel been warned of this before- 
hand? ch. vi. 18. 

Ver. 13. What does "sanctify the people" mean? 
Make solemn preparation to appear before God. 

Did God name the person ? 

Why not ? 

Ver. 14. Brought where ? To the tabernacle. 

How was the tribe taken by the Lord? By lot. 
Prov. xvi. 33. 

Was the will of God so made known by sacred lot 
on other occasions ? 1 Sam. x. 20, 21, and xiv. 41, 42 ; 
Acts i. 26. 

Ver. 15. " Burnt with fire." Was this doom un- 
derstood to be the punishment for this sin long before 
this? Deut. xiii. 15, 16 ; Num. xv. 30-35. 

What does « ■ folly " mean here ? Conduct that brought 
disgrace and judgment on Israel. 

Ver. 16. Why begin with Judah ? It was the largest, 
and had the place of the first-born. 

Ver. 18. What must have been the feelings of Achan 
while they were doing this ? 

How is the hand of God seen in this ? 

Ver. 19. How does Joshua show that he had no re- 
venge in his heart ? 

How would his confession bring glory to God ? 

1. It would show His omniscience. 

2. It would show His justice, punishing sin. 

3. Humble confession of sin tends to glorify 
God, by acknowledging His rights. 



22 

Yer. 20, 21. Was this confession really a voluntary 
one ? 

Was it full and frank ? 

Has it any of the marks of penitence ? 

What are they ? 

What were the three steps in this sin? I saw, I 
coveted, I took. 

When is sin to be resisted ? 

Yer. 24. Were his sons and daughters probably 
privy to the hiding of these things ? \ 

Are the lives of all men forfeited by sin ? 

May God righteously demand them as he thinks best ? 

How might this severity be a mercy to Israel ? 

How to the whole world ? 

Yer. 25. What confirmation of this does Solomon 
give ? Prov. xv. 27. 

Yer. 26. What was the object of raising this heap of 
stones ? 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

Our character, good or bad, must be shared by our 
friends ? 

Self-confidence is unsafe ? 

Sin weakens any cause ? 

Trouble and sorrow should lead us to prayer } 

It is sin which makes God angry with men ? 

The glory and the name of God are our plea in 
prayer ? 

It is impossible to hide sin from God's eye ? 

Covetousness is a great sin ? 

That at last, when sinners are revealed, nobody will 
justify them ? 



LESSON VIII. 

AI IS TAKEN. 

Yerse 1. How did the Lord speak to his servants in 
those days ? In an audible voice, in the tabernacle. 

What was weighing on the mind of Joshua, to dis- 
courage him ? The sin of Achan. 



23 

"All the people of war." How many does this in- 
clude ? ver. 3. 

How does God say, "I have given," when the city 
was not yet taken r 

Would this promise hold, except on the conditions 
directed ? 

Yer. 2. Were things done, in the main, as at Jericho ? 

Were they in all the particulars r 

Why was the spoil given to the people r 

What effect would this have on their courage ? 

Was there any danger of their committing the same 
sin as at Jericho ? 

Why not ? 

Would Achan have had his share if he had obeyed ? 

On which side of the citv was the army of Israel ? 
East. 

Is it right to deceive enemies in war ? Yes, if it is 
right to be at war with them. 

Would perjury and broken oaths be right ? 

Yer. 3. " Joshua arose." What does this mean ? 
Addressed himself to the business. 

Did he send them all away during the night r ver. 12. 

How many did he send for the ambuscade : 

Why not send the whole thirty thousand r 

Why send them by night r 

Yer. 4. Was this practice common ? Judg. xx. 29. 

Yer. 5. How many had Joshua with him, after send- 
ing away the five thousand ? 

What do the words " as at the first" mean? ch. 
vii. o. 

Yer. 6. Was this revealed to Joshua, or did he 
infer it r 

How did he know that God wouM deliver it into 
their hand ? ver. 1. 

Yer. 7. What does "into your hand" mean? 
Power. 

Yer. 8. Did they actually burn the whole city at 
this time ? ver. 27 and 28. 

Did God command them to burn the city, or only 
destroy it ? 

Yer. 9. How far was Bethel from Ai ? About three 
miles. 



24 

Among what people did Joshua lodge ? The twenty- 
five thousand not sent away. 

Ver. 10. What was his object in numbering the 
people ? 

1. To see that none went out during the night, 
for want of faith. 

2. To show after the battle was over that none 
had been killed. 

What was the object in having the elders with him ? 

1. To aid him in taking the number. 

2. To give the weight of their character to the 
enterprise. 

3. To aid in dividing the spoil justly. 

Yer. 12. "He took." What does it mean? Had 
taken, ver. 9. 

Ver. 13. What was his object in going into the 
valley ? Probably for prayer. 

Yer. 14. What does "saw it" mean here? When 
it was told him. 

What does the word "wist" mean in the Bible? 
Knew. 

Yer. 15. Where did these woods lie? Between Ai 
and Gilgal. 

Yer. 16. Were these in addition to those which went 
out first ? ver. 24. 

Yer. 17. Literally, " not a man," or not a man able 
to bear arms ? 

Yer. 18. How did God speak this to Joshua ? 

What similar sign was once used before? Ex. viii. 5. 

Was there any thing in holding out the spear itself 
that would do this ? 

Yer. 19. What was the object in setting the city on 
fire ? The evidence of its being taken. 

Yer. 22. Yv r hat single exception to this slaughter 
was there ? 

Yer. 23. Was he saved in mercy, or for a more terri- 
ble fate ? 

Yer. 25. Does the twelve thousand include all, or 
only the warriors ? 

If it was all, how many warriors would have been 
among them ? Not more than two or three thousand 
men. 



25 

Ver. 26. Of what was this extended spear the 
emblem ? Victory. 

How does Joshua here show his faith ? 

How does the stretching forth of the hand become an 
emblem after this ? Is. v. 25. 

Was Ai ever built again ? Neh. xi. 31. 

Ver. 29. Was he probably slain before his body was 
hung ? ch. x. 26 ; 2 Sam. iv. 12 ; 1 Sam. xxxi. 
3-10. 

Why taken down at sunset? Deut. xxi. 22, 23. 

Why at the gate of the city ? It was the most public 
place. 

Ver. 30. What new subject is now introduced ? 

When and where was this commanded ? Deut. 
xxvii. 2. 

What was the object of this service ? To renew their 
covenant on taking possession of Canaan. 

Ver. 32. Does this mean all the laws of Moses, or this 
law now to be recited = the law of blessings and curses } 

Could all this have been written on the altar, or 
must there have been pillars also ? Deut. xxvii. 2, 7. 

Ver. 34, 35. Was all they read engraven on the 
stones ? 

Who are meant by " strangers" ? Men of other 
nations who had become Jew r s. 

What are such called r Proselytes. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

The remembrance of sin is discouragement ? 

That it need not be, if repented and put away ? 

Impatience to be rich brings guilt ? 

Waiting for the blessing is the way to enjoy it ? 

We must not shrink from doing the will of God, 
though to us it may not seem wise ? 

What God promises, w r ill surely come to pass ? 

We need to use the means just as much as if not 
promised } 

Whom God means to destroy He first blinds ? 

It is no more wrong for God to cut off wicked men 
by the sword, than by pestilence or plague } 



26 

Men of great influence, who induce others to sin, 
deserve, and will receive, heavy punishment ? 

The atonement of Christ is pointed out in the sacri- 
fices of the times of Joshua ? 

No pains should be spared to make the word of God 
known among men ? 



LESSON IX. x 

THE LEAGUE. 

Verse 1. Which side of the Jordan were these ? 

What was the fame which they had heard ? ver. 24. 

Had the religious rites, chapter viii. 30-35, any thing 
to do with this fear ? 

Yer. 2. Was this gathering to fight at once, or to 
form a league for fighting ? 

Were they usually friendly to one another ? 

Having heard all that God had done for Israel, how 
do you account for it that they hoped to succeed ? 

Ver. 3. To which of the Canaanitish tribes did 
Gibeon belong ? ver. 7. 

To which of the tribes of Israel did it fall ? Benja- 
min, ch. xviii. 25. 

What kind of a city was it ? ch. x. 2. 

Was it governed by a king, or by elders ? ver. 11. 

Ver. 4. "Work wilily." What does that mean? 
Craftily. 

Was their conduct prudent on the whole ? 

Would they have been treated worse if they had 
been frank and honest ? 

Did they know any thing about the God of Israel ? 
ver. 9, 10. 

Of what were their bottles made ? Leather, made 
of goat- skins. Matt. ix. 17. 

Ver. 5. What kind of shoes were worn then ? San- 
dals. 

What does " clouted " mean ? Mended and patched. 

How would the fact that they came from a far coun- 
try affect the question of a covenant ? 



27 

Had God forbidden them to form leagues with 
Canaan ? Ex. xxiii.^2 and xxxiv. 12 ; Deut. vii. 2. 

Yer. 7. Did this question presuppose that they knew 
what God had commanded ? ver. 9. 

Ver. 8. Had they named their country ? 

What seemed to have excited Joshua's suspicions? 

Did they mean literally to become servants ? 

Did they expect their deceit would long be con- 
cealed ? 

On what did they rely for safety ? ver. 12. 

Ver. 9, 10. How had' they heard all this ? 

How long had God been in doing all this ? 

How would the guilelessness of Joshua aid their 
plan r 

What was there in their story that seemed rather 
reasonable $ 

What looked unreasonable ? 

Why did they not mention the late dividing of the 
Jordan, instead of things done long before ? 

How did they show their cunning in this ? 

Ver. 11. Under what kind of government did they 
live ? 

Would this have been wise if they had told their 
story honestly ? 

Ver. 14. What "victuals" are meant? Those which 
the Gibeonites showed them. 

Who were the men thus deceived ? Joshua and the 
elders. 

What mistake did they make r 

How might they have inquired of the Lord? Ex. 
xxviii. 30 ; Num. xxviL 21 ; 1 Sam. xxx. 7, 8. 

Ver. lo. If this story had been all true, did the 
Israelites still do wrong to make this league ? 

Did they feel themselves solemnly bound by this 
league? ver. 20. 

Did God rebuke them for keeping this covenant ? 

Were the Gibeonites the objects of God's care and 
providence long after this ? 2 Sam. xxi. 1-4. 

Ver. 17. How many cities belonged to the Gibeon- 
ites? 

Ver. 18. Why did the congregation murmur? ch. 
viii. 27. 



28 

Ver. 19. "What made the princes fear to violate this 
agreement ? » 

What was there peculiarly solemn in this oath ? 

" Touch them." What does it mean ? 

Ver, 21. Was this taking them at their own pro- 
posal ? 

Were they to be servants to individuals, or to the 
tabernacle, and thus serve all Israel ? 

Ver. 22. What evidence here that Joshua could com- 
mand himself? s 

Ver. 23. Was their condition better or worse than 
if they had resisted unto arms ? 

What was there in their new situation which might 
prove a blessing to them ? 

What name did they bear in later ages ? Nethinims. 
1 Chron. ix. 2. 

Was this slavery perpetual, that is, from generation 
to generation ? 

Does it justify slavery ? 

Ver. 24, 25. What is there in this reply of the Gib- 
eonites that is beautiful ? 

What were their excuse and plea for mercy ? 

What had they done that deserved justice ? 

Would they have their support with the Levites ? 

Where are they mentioned long afterwards ? Ezra 
viii. 20. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

The wicked hope to escape divine judgments by com- 
bination ? 

No league between the wicked will save them ? 

A knowledge of divine truth leads some to submit to 
God, and others to oppose him ? 

If we do not ask counsel of God, we have no security 
against deception ? 

When we make solemn engagements, we are bound 
by them, if the thing is not wicked ? Ps. xv. 4. 

Men are no less guilty for sins, though their sins may 
be overruled for their good ? 

It is no want of courage if a man is afraid to break 
an oath ? 



29 
LESSON X. 

THE MIRACLE OF THE SUN AND MOON. 

Verse 1. What is the meaning of the word Adoni- 
zedec? The Lord of righteousness. 

What righteous man had reigned there upwards of 
four hundred years previous ? Gen. xiv. 18. 

What was the first name of this city ? Gen. xiv. 18. 
Ps. lxxvi. 2. 

What is the meaning of Salem. Peace. 

Was it ever called Jerusalem before ? 

What is the meaning of the word Jerusalem ? Vision 
of peace. 

By what name was it called white in the hands of 
the Jebusites ? ch. xviii. 28. Judg. xix. 10, 11. 

Ver. 2. What is meant by a great city ? 

What is meant by its being " as one of the royal 
cities " ? Strong and rich, and the capital of a prov- 
ince or valley. 

Ver. 3. How far was Jerusalem from Gibeon? 
About six miles. 

Were these kings as we now consider kings, or only 
chieftains of single cities or small territories ? 

Why should they especially spite the Gibeonites? 
They would consider them deserters and traitors. 

Ver. 6. Is there any evidence that in the covenant 
Joshua made any engagement to defend them ? 

On what did they rely in making this appeal r 

What is meant by the kings that dwell in the moun- 
tains ? The mountainous regions. 

Ver. 7. Does this mean all Israel, or only the army ? 

Ver. 8. Bid the Lord probably say this before or 
after they left Gilgal ? 

Ver. 9. How far would this night march be ? About 
twenty- six miles. 

Might they have marched part of the distance the 
next day ? 

Ver. 10. How did the Lord slay them ? 

Was it in the city of Gibeon, or the region called by 
that name ? 

3* 



• 30 

How far was Makkedah from Jerusalem? About 
fourteen miles south-west. 

Ver. 1 1 . What kind of stones were these ? 

Had the Lord ever destroyed men with hail before r 
Ex. ix. 18 ; Job xxxviii. 22, 23. 

Was this shower a miracle, or natural? Natural, 
but supernaturally employed. 

Have we any accounts of such destructive hail in 
those countries at the present day? Com. Porter 
(Letters from Constantinople, vol. i. page 44) gives an 
account of such a storm in 1831. 

Ver. 12. Did Joshua speak to the Lord as a com- 
mand, or as a prayer ? 

Was this a miracle ? 

Does the sun actually rise and set ? 

How could it stand still ? 

Did the earth stand still, or was the day miraculously 
lengthened so that the sun seemed to stand still ? 

What was the book of Jasher ? The book of the 
upright. 

Was this probably a real book ? 2 Sam. i. 18. 

What kind of a book, probably, was it ? A collec- 
tion of national songs. 

Is the book in existence now ? 

Was it inspired ? 

Ver. 14. Does it mean that God had never hearkened 
to the prayer of a man before, or that he had never 
made such a day before ? 

Ver. 16. Was this cave in the city, or in the region 
near ? 

Are kings always brave men ? 

Were these brave or cowardly ? 

Ver. 19. Why not suffer the army to enter their 
cities ? They might sooner recover strength, and renew 
the war. 

Ver. 20. Was Joshua with the army in this pur- 
suit ? 

Ver. 21. Where was he ? 

Who are meant by "none moved his tongue"? 
The Canaanites. 

Ver. 24. Was this putting on the foot a personal 
insult to these kings, or a token of future victory ? 



31 

Is this a custom in the East? Ps. ex. 1. 

Ver. 25. To whom does Joshua ascribe the glory 
and the power of his great victories ? 

AVas he right in this ? 

Did he do what was commanded? Dent xx. 16, 
17, xxxiii. 29. 

Ter. 42. Does this mean on one day or week, or one 
campaign ? 

"What was there remarkable about these victories ? 

1. They were many. 

2. They were rapid, 

3. They were obtained over walled towns. 

4. They were obtained over combined forces. 

5. They were obtained without loss or reverses. 

6. They were obtained by the aid of miracles. 
Ver. 43. "Why did Joshua return to Gilgai? 

1. To rest and recruit his men. 

2. To divide the spoils. 

3. To worship and praise God. 

4. To prepare for future campaigns. 

PEACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

The wicked frequently persecute those who forsake 
them, and join the people of God ? 

Opposing God's people is opposing Him, and wiH 
bring down His judgments ? 

All the elements of nature are under God's control r 

Those who trust in God shall be protected ? 

Confidence and trust are powerful pleaders ? 

Places and things to which the wicked flee, and in 
which they trust, God can turn into prisons and death r 

Those who might have done good, but use their 
power for evil, will be most terribly punished ? 

Many things which men do, are ascribed to God ? 

In one sense God may be the author, and in another 
man may be the author, of the same action r 

God may command us to do, that which otherwise 
would be wrong, and yet being thus commanded it is 
our duty : 



32 
LESSON XI. 

THE CONQUEST OF MEROM. 

Yerse 1. Had the previous conquests been south or 
north of Canaan ? 

To which section did the kings now confederating 
belong ? 

Where was Hazor ?■ A strong city at the very north 
part of the country. 

Do any remains of this city exist now ? None. 

Yer. 2. What is meant by "north of the moun- 
tains " ? Hegions in the north of Canaan. 

Yer. 4. What is meant by " they went out " ? Took 
the field on a military expedition. 2 Sam. xi. 1 ; Num. 
xxi. 23 ; Job xxxix. 21. 

What is meant by "as the sand on the sea shore" ? 
A vast multitude. 

How were their chariots made ? Of iron, with scythes 
attached to the end of the poles and axletrees. 

Were they powerful weapons in those days ? 

Yer. 5. "Met together." What does it mean ? Met 
for war at the place agreed upon. 

Where was this lake ? 

Yer. 6. What need of this especial encouragement ? 

1. The mountain men were powerful. 

2. Their numbers were vast. 

3. Their weapons fearful, for the foot soldiers. 
What does it mean to " hough" their horses ? Cut 

their hamstrings. 

Would this kill them, or only disable them ? Both. 
Why was this treatment of the horse commanded ? 

1. God would have his people trust in him. 

2. He would discourage raising them — the 
country was unsuitable. 

3. They would be a useless booty in their wars, 
because the Israelites were not used to them. 

Yer. 7. What was one great feature in Joshua's mil- 
itary character ? Despatch. 

How could he come upon them so suddenly ? By 
forced marches. 



33 

Why is a sudden attack so likely to succeed ? 

1. The enemy are not arrayed. 

2. Their arms may not be at hand. 

3. They are excited, and overestimate the num- 
bers of the foe. 

4. They cannot fight so well when excited. 
Ver. 8. Where was great Zidon? On the Mediter- 
ranean Sea. 

Into how many divisions were the enemy divided in 
their flight ? 

Did Joshua actually destroy all, or those whom he 
overtook ? 

Ver. 9. Was Joshua any thing more or less than 
God's executioner ? 

Yer. 10. Was Hazor the head of all Canaan, or only 
the north part ? 

Was this city ever rebuilt ? Judg. iv. 2. 

Were these cities burned by the soldiers as they 
plundered, or by the command of Joshua as a judicial 
act? 

Is it probable that he did so at the divine direction ? 

Yer. 12. Does it mean that the cities or their inhab- 
itants were utterly destroyed ? 

Was it understood that this was done at the divine 
command ? 

Yer. 13. What is meant by the cities that " stood 
still in their strength" ? Probably those that yielded 
without having their walls battered down. 

Why burn Hazor ? It was a ringleader. 

Yer. 14. What exception to the spoils was always to 
be made ? Deut. vii. 25. 

Yer. 15. Why are we so often told that all this was 
done at God's command ? Because otherwise he would 
have no right to do it ; it would be cruel. 

Yer. 16. What mountains are meant ? The moun- 
tains and valleys generally. 

Yer. 18. How long was the time occupied in these 
conquests ? Six or seven years. 

Were all the inhabitants exterminated ? 

Why not ? Deut. vii. 22. 

Were there miracles during all these wars ? 

Yer. 19. Would they have been spared if they had 



34 

submitted to Israel ? From the treatment of Rahab 
and the Gibeonites, we have reason to think they would, 
especially if they had forsaken their idolatry at once. 

What was the great reason of their extermination ? 
Deut. vii. 4. 

Have we reason to think that multitudes fled from 
the country ? 

Who of these that fled became afterwards renowned ? 
The Phoenicians. 

Ver. 21. Who were the Anakims ? Num. xiii. 33. 

Did any of them escape ? ch. xiv. 6-15, and xv. 
13-17. 

Who of these was remarkable in David's time ? 

Yer. 23. Does it mean absolutely the whole land, 
or only the parts mentioned ? ch. xiii. 1. 

What is the figure "the land had rest"? As if 
weary with sympathizing and groaning under the dis- 
tresses of war. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

Men do not learn by the experience of others ? 

The wicked often take the very course that ruins 
them } 

The number of foes is of no consequence with God ? 

Judicious despatch is a great power ? 

God designs to encourage our efforts, but not to su- 
persede them ? 

The animal creation suffers for the sins of men ? 

The good may be often called to self-denying duties, 
from which they would gladly be excused ? 

When God intends to destroy men, he leaves them to 
their own counsels ? 

Faithful obedience to God will at length insure com- 
plete and joyful success ? 



35 
LESSON XII. 

THE THIRTY-ONE KINGS CONQUERED. 

Verse 1. Is this a new series of victories, or a re- 
capitulation of those already described ? 

Why does the writer give this general view of the 
territory ? 

It was soon to be divided among Israel. 

On which side of the Jordan did the kings live, men- 
tioned in the first six verses ? 

Which way does the Jordan run ? 

What is meant by "the other side Jordan" towards 
the sunrising ? 

Yer. 2-4. By whom were these kings conquered ? 

Wlien was this done ? 

WTiat tribes of Israel had those territories ? 

How many of those chieftains did Joshua conquer ? 
Ver. 24. 

How large was the territory of each ? 

Why were they called kings ? 

In fitting out an army with armor, what was the de- 
fence for the head ? 1 Sam. 17, 5. 

Can you describe it ? 

What was the defence for the breast ? 1 Sam. xvii. 
38 ; 2 Chron. xxvi. 14. 

What defended the legs and feet ? 1 Sam. xvii. 6. 

What for the whole body ? The habergeon, or coat 
of mail. Neh. iv. 16. 

How were the shields made ? Usually of some light 
wood, covered with several folds of stout hide, which 
were preserved and polished with oil, Is. xxi. 5, and 
often painted. Nahum ii. 3. 

Were these used in very early times ? Gen. xv. 1 . 

What weapons were used in war r 

1. The sword. How carried? Jer.. xlvii. 6; 
Ezek. xxi. 30; Judg. iii. 16; 2 Sam. xx. 8. 

2. The spear or javelin. Josh. viii. 18, and Num. 
xxv. 7. A long wooden staff, with a stout 
metal point. 

3. The bow and arrow. 2 Sam. i. 18. 






36 

4. The sling. Judg. xx. 16 ; 1 Chron. xii. 2. 

5. The war chariot, ch. xi. 4. 

6. The battle axe. Jer. li. 20. 

Of what was the bow sometimes made ? Job xx. 24. 

How were the arrows carried ? 

For what were arrows sometimes used ? Ezek. xxi. 21. 

Were the Israelites a warlike people ? 

Who mustered the people for war ? Deut. xx. 5-9. 

What five classes were excused from going ? 

1. Those who had built a new house, and had 
not occupied it. This was to encourage build- 

^S^,. Those who had planted an olive yard, or a 
vineyard, and had not tasted the fruit. This 
exemption lasted five years. 

3. Those engaged to be married, but not married, 

4. Those who had not been married a year. 

5. Those who were cowardly or faint-hearted, 
and would discourage others. 

What officers did they have in war ? 

1. Captain of fifty men. 

2. Captain of one hundred — called by the Ro- 
mans a centurion. 

3. Captain over one thousand. 

4. Captain of ten thousand. 

5. Leader of a tribe. 

6. The commander-in-chief— as Joshua. 
What remarkable generals can you mention, who, at 

different times, led the Jewish army ? Moses, Joshua, 
Caleb, Gideon, Jephthah, Samson, David, and Joab. 
What were the objects of the wars under Joshua ? 

1. To possess the country which God had prom- 
ised and given his people. 

2. To exterminate certain very wicked tribes, at 
God's command. 

3. To vindicate God's right to a land which had 
been devoted to the vilest idolatry and sin. 

Did the Jews use horses in their battles ? 
How did they fight ? 

Did they charge, or receive the charge, or both ? 
Did they enter battle silently, or with shouting ? 



37 

Can you mention one of their war cries ? Judg. vii. 20. 
What were the rewards to encourage valor ? 

1. The whole people met the victorious army on 
their return. Judg. xi. 34-37 ; 1 Sam. xviii. 
6, 7. 

2. Triumphal songs were sung. Ex. xv. 1-21 ; 
2 Sam. i. 17, 18 ; 2 Chron. xxxv. 25 ; Judg. 
v. 1-31. 

3. Monuments of victory were raised, ch. viii. 
31. 

4. The arms conquered were sometimes hung 
up in the tabernacle. 

5. The bravest were honored by desirable al- 
liances. Josh. xv. 16 ; 1 Sam. xvii. 25 and 
xxviii. 17 ; 2 Sam. xviii. 11. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

We should keep in mind what God has done for us 
through his servants ? 

We should not forget the labors and toils of those 
who have passed away ? 

The gratitude of future generations is a powerful 
motive for us to do well ? 

We are greatly indebted to men who have gone be- 
fore us for our blessings ? 

" Other men have labored, and we have entered into 
their labors " ? 

One generation cannot do all that is to be done ? 

We should carry on and finish what others have 
begun? 

No combination of earthly power can withstand God ? 

The conquest of Canaan was for the sake of religion r 
Ps. ii. 1-12. 

4 



38 
LESSON XIII. 

THE BOUNDARIES OF CANAAN ARE DIVIDED. 

Yerse 1. How old was Joshua at this time ? About 
one hundred years. 

What do you understand by " Tery much land to be 
possessed " ? 

Why does God mention these two facts, Jus age and 
the land unconquered ? 

What land was yet to be possessed ? 

Why are these facts a reason why Joshua should 
stop the wars and divide the country ? 

Why was it important that Joshua should do it ? 

Would this suspension of war be a reason for their 
laying aside their arms, or for holding themselves still 
in readiness for action ? 

Ver. 2. Had the Philistines been mentioned before ? 

How was it that they had not been heretofore num- 
bered with the tribes to be conquered ? Their territo- 
ry had belonged to the Canaanites, but they had come 
in and supplanted them. Gen, x. 13, 14 ; Deut. ii. 23. 

Ver. 3. What was Sihor ? A small river between 
Egypt and the Holy Land. 

What was Ekron ? A city of the Philistines, one of 
the five cities which was governed by a lord. 

Where was it ? About thirty-four miles west of 
Jerusalem. 

Can you mention the five lordships of the Philistines ? 
Ekron, Ashdod, Gath, Gaza, Askalon. 

Ver. 6. What city did the Sidonians inhabit ? 

Why did God again assure Joshua that he would 
conquer the land ? 

If Israel had God's promise, why did they need to 
fight ? 

Why was the land divided by lot ? 

Was this a common method ? Num. xxvi. 55, 56 ; 
Prov. xviii. 18 ; Acts i. 26 ; 1 Sam. xiv. 42 ; Ps. xxii. 18. 

Did the Israelites ever actually possess all the terri- 
tory given them here ? No ; the Sidonians were never 
subdued. 



39 

Why not ? Because of the unbelief and unfaithful- 
ness of the Israelites. 

When God brought them into the land, and divided 
it among the tribes, and gave them power to subdue it 
if they would, was not this all he ever promised ? 

What effect would dividing the land have on Israel r 

Ver. 7. Where do the words of God stop ? With 
this verse. 

Who is now the narrator r The writer of the book. 

Yer. 13. Why is it mentioned that these tribes were 
not expelled ? 

Is this mentioned as praise or blame r 

What was the objection to having them live among 
the Israelites ? Ex. xxiii. 33 ; Num. xxxiii. 55 ; Ps. 
cvi. 34-36. 

Yer. 11. Who were the Levites? 

What was their business ? Num. iii. 6 ; i. 50. 

Why did they have no inheritance ? Deut. xviii. 1, 
, and xiv. 27. 

How were the Levites supported r Num. xviii. 21-24. 

What was their security that they would not be left 
to suffer? ver. 33. 

Yer. 15. Why was the inheritance so minutely di- 
vided and bounded by lot r 

1. It was the most satisfactory way. 

2. Future litigation was prevented. 

3. Future generations, in reading this account, 
would see the goodness and wisdom of God 
in the division. 

Is it probable that the division was so particular as 
to embrace families ? 

What effect would this have to make the people con- 
tented ? Each family would feel that they had their 
inheritance directly from God. 

Why would it make them more careful not to alien- 
ate or sell their inheritance r 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 
The most useful men can labor only for a season be- 
fore old age or death overtakes them ? 



40 

We should be diligent in doing good, because death 
will soon overtake us ? 

When men are too feeble to do one kind of work, 
they may be well qualified to do another ? 

After the most diligent life, we shall leave very much 
to be done by others ? 

Each generation has its own appropriate work } 

We may rest sure that all God's promises to his peo- 
ple will be fulfilled ? 

It is not intended that the ministers of God shall 
have opportunity to gather wealth ? \ 

If faithful to God, they will have all they really need ? 

Our lot, condition, and estate are marked out by the 
providence of God ? 

We should be contented with our lot, and not mur- 
mur against it ? 

Good people may enjoy, the inheritance of heaven by 
anticipation ? 



LESSON XIV. 

CALEB'S INHERITANCE. 

Verse 1. Who were these heads of the fathers ? 
Num. xxxiv. 19. 

By whom were they appointed ? Num. i. 1-14. 

How many were there ? 

Why should each tribe be represented thus ? 

What portion of the land had already been divided ? 
That part east of the Jordan, which was given to the 
two and a half tribes. 

What part of the land was now to be divided ? That 
which lay west of the Jordan. 

Ver. 2. When was the inheritance of each tribe fore- 
told ? Gen. xlix. ; Deut. xxxiii. ; Num. xxxii. 

According to Jacob, what was to be the portion of 
Judah ? That which abounded in vineyards and pas- 
tures. 

What was the portion of Zebulon ? The sea coast. 

What of Issachar ? Rich plains between moun- 
tains. 



41 

How could the land be divided by lot, and yet every 
portion come as foretold I Prov. xvi. 33. 

Ver. 4. Into what two tribes was the tribe of Joseph 
divided ? 

Why was this ? 

How many tribes remained after the Levites were 
taken out ? 

Why is the fact of the division of this tribe mentioned 
here r They had two portions of territory. 

Ver. o. Was this division of the land all done at 
once, or was it the work of much time ? 

Ver. 6. What does "then" refer to? The time 
when Joshua and Israel were at G-ilgal. 

When was the division completed : ch. xxi. 43-45. 

Why did Caleb bring men of Judah with him r He 
belonged to that tribe. 

What incident is now introduced in the narration of 
the division of the land : 

Why should Caleb be so careful to bring men with 
him ? He himself was one of the twelve whom God 
had appointed to divide the land. Num. xxxii. 12. 

What was probably the city promised him r Num. 
xiii. 22. 

Ver. 7. What event does he refer to : Num. xiv. 

What does he mean by bringing word again as it was 
in his heart r True and honest. 

Ver. 8. Whom does he mean by " his brethren " r 
Num. xiii. 31-33. 

In what sense were they his brethren r 

In what did their spirit differ from his r 

What does he mean by his " wholly following the 
Lord " ? 

Does he mention this as a boast, or as a reason why 
the promise made to him should be kept ? 

Ver. 9. Where is the account of this oath of Moses r 
Dent. i. 36 ; Num. xiv. 24. 

Where had Caleb spent the last forty-five years r 
Thirty- eight in the wilderness, and seven in the conquest 
of the land. 

How old was he when he left Egypt I 

How much older than the oldest man in Israel, ex- 
cept Joshua, must he have been r 
4* 



42 

How do you make that out ? 

Ver, 11. Why does he mention his vigor ? 

1. As a matter of praise and gratitude. 

2. To show that he was able to appreciate the 
blessing. 

3. To show that he could conquer the giants in 
his portion. 

Ver. 12. Did he have but one mountain, or the 
mountainous region of which Hebron was the centre ? 

Which was the chief city ? 

To whom did it afterwards fall by lot ? ch. xxi. 13. 

What else was peculiar in its history ? Gen. xxiii. 2 ; 
ch. xx. 7 ; Luke i. 39. 

What king was afterwards crowned there } 2 Sam. 
ii. 1-4. 

What was there in this desire which evinced great 
courage in Caleb ? 

How did he expect to succeed in his efforts to drive 
out the giants ? 

What shows his faith ? 

Was it a reasonable faith ? 

Yer. 13. Why should he have the permission of 
Joshua ? 

What did his blessing imply ? 

1. Granting his request. 

2. Applauding his brave spirit. 

3. Imploring the blessing of God upon him. 
Ver. 15. Were none of the tribes engaged in war 

after this ? 

How did the land have rest ? 

The whole of Israel did not go out in a general cam- 
paign after this. 

Where is Hebron first mentioned in the Bible ? Gen. 
xiii. 18. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

God knows future events before they take place ? 

God disposes of every thing as he sees best ? 

Those who follow the Lord will see the truth of his 
promises ? 

Sincerity and honesty are most likely to insure old 
age? 



43 

Character formed at an early age abides ? 

One resistance to a great temptation gives us much 
strength of character ? 

Wicked counsel destroys men ? 

The faithful man will find God faithful to his word 
and promises ? 

Perseverance in well doing will finally receive its 
reward ? 



LESSON XV. 

THE INHERITANCE OF JUDAH 

Yerse 1 . The account of this division was commenced 
ch. xiv. 1. 

What interrupted the account ? 

In what light was this casting of lots regarded ? 
Very solemn, and most likely with prayer and offerings. 

Was this division now general or particular ? Gen- 
eral, and the maps probably rough, ch. xviii. 4, 5. 

Was this division changed at all afterwards ? It was 
found that Judah's was too large, and Simeon's was 
taken from it. ch. xix. 9. 

In what manner was the lot probably cast ? The 
country was mapped out roughly, the different portions 
numbered, and the numbers put into an urn ; then the 
names of the tribes into another urn, that Eleazar might 
draw from one, and Joshua from the other. 

How was it that the lot of Judah came up first? 
By especial divine interposition, in token of the pre- 
eminence of that tribe. 

Why was this the most important tribe ? 

1. It was the largest. 

2. The bravest. 

3 . From it the Messiah was to come. 

Ver. 8. What was the valley of the son of Hinnom ? 
A deep ravine near the city, and south of it. 

Who was Hinnom ? We do not know. 

For what was it noted ? The place where the He- 
brews sacrificed their children to heathen gods. 2 Chron. 
xxxiii. 6. 



44 

What part of it was more especially the place of this 
wickedness ? Topheth. 2 Kings xxiii. 10. 

Of what was this valley the emblem ? HelL 

"Why called Topheth ? From " toph," a drum, used 
to drown the cries of victims, 

Ver. 13. Why is the success of Caleb mentioned 
again ? To show that his confidence in God, in the 
preceding chapter, was not misplaced. 

Yer. 16. Did this proposal of Caleb proceed from 
cowardice ? 

On what occasions had he proved his courage ? 

Was it common for leaders of armies to make sim- 
ilar offers of reward for courage ? 1 Sam. xviii. 25. 

What peculiar power did fathers in those days seem 
to have over their daughters ? 

Ver. 17. Was Othniel Caleb's brother or nephew? 
Judg. i. 13. 

What relation would he be to Achsah ? 

Was he a worthy man ? 

Yer. 18. What mark of simplicity of manners do we 
find here ? 

Was this customary? Gen. xxiv. 64. 

Was it covetousness or convenience that led her to 
make this request ? 

Did she or her husband actually make the request ? 

What token of reverence did she show ? 

Yer. 19. Was it the springs alone that she wanted, 
or the fields that contained them ? 

Why were they so desirable ? 

What is meant by the upper and the nether springs ? 
Those on the hill-sides and those in the valleys. 

Why does she call this a blessing ? Gen. xxxiii. II ; 
2 Kings v. 15 ; 2 Cor. ix. 5. 

Why mention that he had given her the south land ? 
Because it was hot and dry, and the pastures and crops 
would dry up easily. 

Would this act endear her to her husband ? 

Yer. 32. Why called twenty and nine when there 
were thirty-eight ? Because nine are supposed to have 
been given to Simeon, and thus twenty-nine left for 
Judah. 



45 



PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

Those who improve their opportunities shall have 
greater r 

The name of those who sin comes down clothed with 
shame ? 

God does not forget his promises to the faithful r 

It is a great honor to be connected with good fam- 
ilies by marriage > 

A prudent wife is from the Lord ? 

A moderate and chastened desire for the good things 
of this life is no violation of the tenth commandment ? 

Mutual confidence and consultation between hus- 
bands and wives are of great value ? 

Parents do not lose that which is judiciously be- 
stowed on their children r 

Reverence for parents will be rewarded ? 

In our experience of spiritual things we should pray 
for the upper and the nether springs — that is, for 
things that relate to the soul as well as things that re- 
late to the body r 

Even the promises of God fail if we fail in faith ? 



LESSON XVI. 

THE INHERITANCE OF EPHRADkl AND MANAS SEH. 
Ch. xvi. and xvii. 

Verse 1. "What two tribes are meant by the children 
of Joseph ? 

What was the water of Jericho r 2 Kings ii. 19-22. 

Ver. 10. How far did they subdue the Canaanites ? 

What does this prove as to their ability to drive them 
out, if they had chosen to do so ? 

"What two reasons operated on their minds to prevent 
subduing them ? 

1. They were too indolent. 

2. They were desirous of the tribute. 
Was this according to the command of God ? 



46 

Have we any right to make a gain of that which is 
wicked ? 

Ver. 1. "Why is it mentioned that Manasseh had a 
lot in the inheritance ? To show that though Ephraim 
was set above him, yet it was not to prevent his being 
a distinct tribe. 

How came it to pass that he had not the right of the 
first-born? Gen. xlviii. 19, 20. 

Which tribe was really the most powerful ? 

What is Machir here put for, the son of Manasseh or 
his posterity ? Judg. v. 14. v 

Was it Machir, or his race, that was warlike ? 

Yer. 12. Was the reason why they could not drive 
out the Canaanites any other than that they were not 
disposed to do it ? 

Do we often say we can't, when it is that we don't 
choose to do any thing ? 

Can you give a plain example of this ? Gen. xxxvii. 4. 

Why did they not choose to subdue them ? 

1. They loved ease. 

2. They loved gain. 

3. They might have lacked faith. 

4. They might have become acquainted with and 
pitied them. 

5. They might have loved their idolatry. 
Is such a kind of inability inexcusable ? 

Is a man who says he can't stop drinking excusable ? 

Could he refrain from drinking ? Set ardent spirits 
before him, and let him see you drop arsenic into it, 
and he won't touch it. 

When any one says he can't help being profane, is it 
true? 

Would he swear at the funeral of his mother ? 

When any one says he can't help being wicked, does 
that excuse him ? 

Does our want of this kind of ability excuse our not 
loving and obeying God ? 

Ver. 12. What do you understand by the words, 
" the Canaanites would dwell in the land" ? 

What gave them this power to do as they pleased ? 

How do our spiritual enemies gain advantage over us ? 

Suppose our wrong habits are indulged ; do they grow 
weaker, or stronger ? 



47 

When would it have been easiest to have subdued 
Canaan ? 

When would it be easiest for us to overcome sin ? 

What should lead us to conquer our sins as early as 
possible ? 

1. God's command. 

2. Our own enjoyment. 

3. Our safety. 

Yer. 1-i. Who were the children of Joseph r 

What part of them had their portion on the other 
side of the Jordan ? 

What made their portion on the west side seem so 
small r Because they neglected to conquer their whole 
lot. 

What was their plea for more territory ? 

Ver. 15. What answer did Joshua make : 

Was his answer right ? 

Yer. 16. What did they mean by "the hill is not 
enough " : That there were so many enemies between 
them and the hill region that they could not get at it. 

Did they really have less than their share r 

Were they confined to one lot ? 

Were they justifiable in making these complaints ? 

How could they have land enough r 

Yer. 18. Why need not these people fear the mighty 
Canaanites ? Is. xli. 14-16. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

"Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

The lot of all men is appointed by God r 

Therefore we should be thankful for its blessings, 
and submissive under its trials ? 

The more faithfully we obey God, the more we shall 
enjoy in this life and the next r 

We have various talents, and God places us in such 
situations as are suited to our duty r 

It is due to the daughters that they should have an 
inheritance, as well as the sons r 

Of men in the Bible, it is said they cannot do what 
they don't try to do, nor use the means by which they 
might do their duty ? 



48 

Slothful people will sacrifice future good to present 
enjoyment ? 

Men are often in want because they won't help 
themselves ? 

The best way to help such is to show them how they 
can help themselves ? 

Men are often discontented with their lot when they 
are really highly favored ? 



LESSON XVII. 

THE TABERNACLE IS ESTABLISHED. 

Verse 1. Why should the tabernacle be removed to 
Shiloh ? It was the most central place. 

In what tribe was it ? ■ In the tribe of Ephraim. 

To what tribe did Joshua belong ? 

Was it probably removed without the divine direc- 
tion? Deut. xii. 11. 

How came the place to have that name ? Gen. xlix. 10. 

Whom did Jacob mean by this name ? 

How w T ould the tabernacle point to Him ? 

Where was Shiloh ? About twenty miles north of 
Jerusalem, ten from Bethel, and ten south of Shechem. 

By whom was it removed ? 

How long did the ark remain at Shiloh ? Over three 
hundred and fifty years. 1 Sam. iv. 1-11. 

By whom was it removed ? 

To what place ? 

What is meant by "the land was subdued"? The 
wars were over, and they could place the tabernacle 
where they pleased. 

Ver. 2. Do we know why the seven tribes were so 
delayed in obtaining their inheritance ? We do not. Per- 
haps the original survey was so imperfect that they were 
unwilling to receive their portion until surveyed again. 

What reasons have we to think it was imperfect? 
Judah's portion was found too large, and Joseph's too 
small. 

Is this the only reason why they had not their por- 



49 

tions allotted them? They were probably weary of 
war, and were rich by their former conquests. 

If they had not their portions, how did they live ? 
Probably in the midst of their brethren, and their fami- 
lies and flocks were mingled with theirs. 

Do men generally lose by delay and neglect ? 

How long after this was it that Dan had to fight for 
his inheritance ? Forty years. 

How long after this before the Jebusites were ex- 
pelled from Jerusalem ? Four hundred years. 

Ver. 3. Is this the language of praise or rebuke ? 

In what did their criminality consist ? In their in- 
difference to their inheritance. 

Is not this true now of certain people ? 

Who are they r 

What was the great duty of the Israelites ? To labor 
to enter the promised inheritance. 

What is our great duty now r 

Yer. 4. What does Joshua mean by " giving out" ? 
Appointing. 

If they appointed three of each tribe, of how many 
would this committee consist r 

How could twenty-one men go through the promised 
land safely ? They had either a guard or supernatural 
protection. 

What is meant by describing it " according to the in- 
heritance of them " r According to the value, fertility, 
and productiveness of the different parts, so that the 
inheritance of the tribes might be just. 

Ver. 5. What do we understand by " Judah shall 
abide " ? His portion shall not be resurveyed, nor 
Joseph's. 

What tribes were already provided for ? Ephraim, 
Manasseh, Judah, Gad, and Reuben. 

Yer. 8. What is meant by "describe it"? Make 
out a chart or map of the country. 

Have we any instance of land surveying before this r 

Where did Israel learn this art r In Egypt. 

Why and how learn it there ? The annual overflow 
of the Nile would require frequent and accurate 
survey. 

Do we know how long it took these men thus to 



50 

describe the land? Josephus, the Jewish historian, 
says seven months. 

Do we know the names of these surveyors ? 

Do we always know the names of the men who have 
done good ? 

Ver. 10. "According to their divisions." What is 
meant ? According to the allotments of these seven 
tribes. 

Yer. 11. " Came up." What does it mean ? Came 
out of the urn or vase in which the lots were placed. 

" Between the children of Judah and the children of 
Joseph." What is meant? Deut. xxxiii. 12. 

What prediction of Moses was wonderfully fulfilled ? 
Deut. xxxiii. 12. 

PKACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

Our places of public worship should be central and 
convenient ? 

God is willing that we should enjoy much that we 
lose through negligence ? 

In matters of property we should be very exact, to 
prevent future trouble ? 

By following the leadings of Providence, each indi- 
vidual may obtain what is best for him ? 

Separate families are designed to be a blessing to 
themselves and others ? 

A chart of our heavenly inheritance is of inestimable 
value ? 



LESSON XVIII. 

THE INHERITANCE OF JOSHUA, AND THE CITIES OF 
REFUGE. — Ch. xix,. and xx. 

Verse 1. What is meant by "the lot came forth"? 
Out of the urn. 

Why was the inheritance of Simeon within that of 
Judah ? Judah' s portion was too large, and a part was 
given to Simeon, ver. ix. 



51 

What prophecy was thus fulfilled ? Gen xlix. 7. 

Did Judah object to this arrangement, or were they 
friendly and readv to help each other ? Judg. i. 3 
and 17. 

Ver. 2. What does Beer sheba mean? The well of 
the oath. 

When was this name given? Gen. xxi. 31. Gen. 
xxvi. 32, 33. 

Were Beersheba and Sheba probably the same place ? 

Ver. 15. Was this the Bethlehem where Christ was 
born ? No ; it was much farther north. 

Yer. 47. What is meant by " the coast of Dan went 
out," &c. ? They had been obliged to abandon it, prob- 
ably, until it was too narrow for them. 

How did they afterwards gain Leshem ? Judg. xviii. 
27-29. 

Yer. 49. What do we learn from this verse ? 

1. That Joshua waited until the last to receive 
his portion, because he sought the good of 
others first. 

2. Although it had been given him by God, he 
did not take it without the consent of the 
people. 

Why did Joshua probably ask for Timnath-serah? 

1. It was in his own tribe. 

2. It was near the tabernacle. 

Yer. 2. What were cities of refuge ? Ex. xxi. 13 ; 
Num. xxxv. 6. 

How many were there of them ? Six. Deut. xix. 2 
and 9. 

What law made these cities necessary ? Ex. xxi. 12. 

Yer. 3. If a man had committed murder, why should 
he be protected from this law' ? 

1. He might have done it in passion, and not 
premeditated the murder. 

2. It might have been accidental. 

Yer. 4. Why were cities in those times surrounded 
by walls ? 

Was it common for the elders and judges to sit 
at the gate ? 1 Sam. iv. 18 ; Ruth iv. 1, 2 ; Prov. 
xxxi. 23. 

Of what were the gates sometimes made ? Acts 
xii. 10. 



52 

Was the street leading to the gate a place of the 
greatest concourse ? 2 Sam. xv. 2; Neh. viii. 1. 

What is the difference between a manslayer and a 
murderer ? 

How large were these cities of refuge ? Num. xxxv. 
4,5. 

Who owned these cities? Num. xxxv. 6. 

Ver. 5. If a murderer fled to one of these cities, and 
was pursued, would he be protected from the law? 
Only until he could be tried. Num. xxxv. 12. x 

If a manslayer fled to one of these cities, would he 
be protected ? 

Yer. 6. How long must he dwell there ? 

How long did the office of high priest continue in 
those days ? During his life. 

Was the manslayer a prisoner in the city of refuge 
to which he had fled ? 

What might be the result if he should attempt to 
leave the city ? Num. xxxv. 26-28. 

After the death of the high priest, could he return 
with safety to his home ? 

Suppose he died before the high priest ? After the 
death of the high priest, his bones would be taken up 
and carried to the place of his fathers' sepulchres. 

Ver. 7, 8. Who dwelt in Hebron ? ch. xv. 14. 

Which three cities did Moses appoint ? Deut. iv. 43. 

Who appointed the others ? 

Ver. 9. Were these cities for any but the Israelites ? 

Why was it desirable that these cities should belong 
to Levites ? 

1. The Levites were God's tribe, and would best 
serve him as judges. 

2. The exile within their gates would be spirit- 
ually cared for. 

Could these prisoners go to the tabernacle to worship ? 
How was the situation of these cities selected ? 

1. About equally distant from each other, that 
they might be conveniently reached. 

2. They were situated on high hills, that they 
might be conspicuous at a distance. 

Why would the Levites be the best judges of these 
questions of life and death ? 



53 

1. Because they were supposed to understand 
the law of God more fully than other men. 

2. They would not be so likely to be influenced 
by private interests. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

"Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

Faithfulness will ultimately be rewarded ? 

Public- spirited men seek the general good before 
they do their private interests ? 

No man's preferment or honor should estrange him 
from his family or country r 

The servants of Christ will consider it soon enough 
to enter upon their heavenly inheritance when they 
have done all they can to bring others into the same 
possession ? 

We should wait for full evidence before we convict 
others of guilt ? 

God is our refuge in times of trouble ? 

There is a great difference between intentional and 
unintentional guilt ? 

If we revenge wrong hastily we may punish the 
innocent ? 

God delights in justice ? 



LESSON XIX. 

THE INHERITANCE OF THE LEVITES. 

Verse 1. " Came near." What does it mean ? 

Who were these heads of the fathers ? Most distin- 
guished leaders of the great family of the priesthood. 

What was the office of Eleazar ? Deut. x. 6. 

Why should he be associated with Joshua r 

Why was this a suitable time to make their request ? 

Was this before or after the selecting the cities of 
refuge ? Probably after. 

Ver. 3. Had the Levites been forbidden to have any 
inheritance with the other tribes r Num. xviii. 20-23. 
5* 



54 

What was the difference between this and an inherit- 
ance? In the inheritance the families each owned 
lands which they might sell or bequeath ; but the Le- 
vites merely had cities to dwell in belonging to the 
priesthood, but to no family in particular. 

What was the object in having the Levitical cities 
scattered through all the land, and not together ? 

1. It fulfilled the prophecy. Gen. xlix. 7. 

2. Dispersed through the land, they could be 

Instructors of the people ; 
Judges in certain cases ; 
Could influence by example ; 
Could keep out idolatry better. 

What is meant by " cities and their suburbs " ? Small 
cities with walls, and land enough beyond the walls 
for gardens and pasture, but so near that the laborers 
could go into the cities at night to lodge. 

Ver. 4. Into what two classes were the descendants 
of Aaron divided ? Priests and Levites. 

Why were the cities of the priests in these three 
tribes ? They were near Jerusalem, where God knew 
the centre of worship should be. 

" Thirteen cities." Was this number large or small 
for the number of priests then living ? Quite large. 

Why was this ? Their number was afterwards to be 
greatly increased. 

Were all the descendants of Kohath priests ? No ; 
some were Levites. 

Ver. 5. Why was a less number of cities given these 
tribes than for the former ? Because their inheritance 
was less. 

Can you state the law on this point ? Num. 
xxxv. 8. 

Were the priests compelled to live in these cities, and 
no other? 

No ; for both priests and Levites dwelt at Nob, 
which was not a Levitical city. 1 Sam. xxi. 1-7. 

Any other example? They dwelt at Jerusalem. 

Was there any provision made for this ? Deut. 
xviii. 6. 

Did others besides Levites dwell in these cities ? Judg. 
ch. xvii. and xix. 



55 

Ver. 12. Had not Hebron been given to Caleb al- 
ready ? ch. xiv. 6-15. 

How, then, could it be given to the Levites ? Prob- 
ably Caleb gave it, retaining the right to live there, as 
an example to his brethren in this matter. 

Ver. 25. " Tanach and Gath-rimmon." What are 
these places called in 1 Chron. vi. 70 ? 

How are we to account for this ? 

1. The towns might have had two names. 

2. Their names might have been changed. 

3. These cities might now have been uncon- 
quered, and others given instead. 

Ver, 41. How many cities in all had the descend- 
ants of Aaron ? 

How came they to have this number ? Num. xxxv. 7. 

What evidence does this afford that Moses was in- 
spired ? Otherwise he could not have known that they 
could give so many without hurting the inheritance of 
the other tribes. 

Ver. 42. How large were these suburbs, precisely? 
Num. xxxv. 5. 

How large would this be in feet? 

How in miles ? 

Ver. 43. To whom had God sworn to give this land ? 

If it was conquered by Joshua, how did the Lord 
give it ? 

Ver. 44. Where and when had God renewed these 
promises ? Josh. i. 5. 

Were all the Canaanites actually destroyed ? No ; 
but so far subdued that they made no resistance, and so 
far that at any time they might have completed their 
extermination. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

The living of the ministry is not often so great as to 
tempt men into it for the sake of the compensation ? 

It is the will of God that the ministry be comfort- 
ably supported ? 1 Cor. ix. 13, 14. 

This support cannot be withheld without displeasing 
God? 



56 

The ministers of God must trust to what God allots 
to them ? 

It is for the convenience of the ministry and the good 
of the people that they live near the sanctuary in which 
they minister ? 

There should be ministers in all parts of the country, 
that the people may be instructed in religion ? 

God appoints the habitations of his ministers, and it 
is their duty to stand and labor cheerfully in their lot ? 

When God makes promises, he knows all the diffi- 
culties in the way of their being fulfilled ? 

In due time they will all be fulfilled in faithful- 
ness } 



LESSON XX. 

THE TWO TRIBES AND A HALF RETURN HOME. 

Verse 1. When was this done ? 

Why not done before ? 

Ver. 2. What special command of Moses is here 
referred to ? 

How long, probably, had they been away from their 
families and inheritance ? About seven years. 

Whose proposal was it to have their share on the 
other side of Jordan? Num. xxxii. 1. 

What led them to wish it ? 

Were all the men of these two and a half tribes en- 
gaged in the wars, or only their quota ? 

How many was this quota ? Forty thousand war- 
riors. 

What honorable course had they taken ? 

What would have been dishonorable ? 

What motives had they to do as they did, besides 
honor and the command of Moses } ver. 8. 

Ver. 4. What is meant by "tents" > 2 Sam. xviii. 
17; Hos. ix. 6; Mai. ii. 12. 

In returning to their homes, which way would they 
march ? 

Ver. 5. To what sins had they been exposed ? Those 
of camp life. 



57 

To what new temptations would they now be ex- 
posed ? The sins of disbanded soldiers — idleness, and 
the sins growing out of it. 

What here shows that the religion of Moses was a 
spiritual religion ? 

Could a man obey and do all this, and not be a re- 
ligious man ? 

Ver. 6. What is meant by blessing them ? Praying 
for them. 

What good would that do them ? 

Ver. 7. What seems to have been the reason why the 
tribe of Manasseh was divided ? Because their inher- 
itance was divided by the Jordan. 

Yer. 8. With whom would he have them divide their 
share of the spoil ? With those who had remained to 
take care of their families and flocks. 

Would this imply giving them an equal share ? 
Num. xxxi. 27. 

Ver. 9. Where did they take leave of Joshua and of 
Israel ? 

Ver. 10. What was the real object of this monument ? 

1. To show posterity by its form (altar) that 
they were worshippers of Jehovah. 

2. To prevent their brethren on the west side of 
the river from ever disowning them. ver. 
24, 25. 

3. To hand down the religion of Moses to their 
children. 

Ver. 11. On which side of the river was this monu- 
ment built ? 

Why would this fact render it more noticeable ? Be- 
cause it was not probably in Canaan, and was so far 
from the tabernacle at Smlon. 

Ver. 12. Was this gathering all the congregation, or 
their leaders and fathers ? 

Suppose this had been an altar for worship ; how 
would it have been so great a crime ? Ex. xx. 24 ; 
Lev. xvii. 8, 9; Deut. xii. 5-13. 

What led them to feel that they must make war on 
their brethren ? Deut. xiii. 7-13. 

What here evinces a high sense of religious prin- 
ciple ? 



58 

Was this zeal without apparent cause ? 
How was it tempered with meekness and wisdom ? 
How do they show their moderation and charity ? 
Ver. 13. "Why select men of age and experience to 
act as messengers ? 

1 . Because they would be discreet and moderate. 

2. They would exercise charity. 

3. They would have more influence with those 
to whom they were sent. 

Ver. 16. Why do they mention that they bring the 
unanimous opinion of all Israel ? 

Was this a real trespass, or a supposed one ? 

What shows that it was religious principle with them ? 

Yer. 17. What is the story about Peor ? Num. xxv. 
3 ; Deut. iv. 3. 

What is the meaning of "not cleansed until this 
day " ? That we suffer the consequence of that sin still. 

Ver. 18. What reason had they to fear that the sins 
of a part would be visited upon all } It had been so in 
the case of Achan. 

Ver. 19. What did they mean by the land being 
"unclean" ? Not hallowed by the tabernacle, and 
therefore thought to be polluted. 

What is there generous and noble in their proposal ? 

Ver. 20. " Perished not alone." What does it 
mean? 

Ver. 21. What is there to admire in these men ? 

What would have been the effect of a hasty retort ? 

Ver. 22. What shows that they had a deep reverence 
for God? 

Ver. 23. Was there any thing wrong in what they 
had done ? 

Ver. 25. Were they afraid of being disowned in this 
generation ? 

Had their fears been realized, how would it injure 
their children ? 

Ver. 27 » Why in those days did they erect monu- 
ments ? 

How do we impress posterity? By writings and 
covenants. 

Ver. 31. What was the effect of this interview on the 
messengers ? 



59 

What was the evidence that God was with them J 
Yer. 33. »« Did not intend" ? Gave up the intention 
of going. 
Yer. 34. What does "Ed" mean: A witness. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

We should acknowledge faithfulness in men 5 and 
commend them for it r 

The knowledge and worship of God constitute the 
glory of a people ? 

We may wish and try to do good, and yet be misun- 
derstood ? 

In trying to prevent future evils, we may lack judicious 
care r 

Kind explanations will often prevent much hard 
feeling ? 

Suspicions will often be removed by conference ? 

A consciousness of right motives enables us to be un- 
troubled when misunderstood or blamed ? 

We ought to be anxious about the spiritual welfare 
of our children and posterity r 

Provision made for religion in years to come is highly 
commendable ? 

Good men will not be hasty to blame, much less to 
fight, others? 

It can do our brethren no hurt to watch over them ? 

Good men dread and fear apostasy in the community ? 

The testimony of a good conscience is a beautiful 
shield r 



LESSOX XXI. 

joshua's exhortation. 

Yerse 1. How long after the conquest and the nar- 
rations preceding is this supposed to be ? Thirteen or 
fourteen years. 

How long after the division of territory among the 
tribes ? About seven years. 



60 

How old was Joshua at this time ? About one hun- 
dred and ten years. 

Ver. 2. "Was it all Israel, or only their elders, who 
assembled? Num. xvi. 1. 

Where did Joshua reside ? At Timnath-serah. 

Was this assembly to gather to him there or at 
Shiloh ? Probably at Shiloh. 

Yer. 3. What is there in this address that shows the 
humility of Joshua ? 

To whom does he give all the glory of their success ? 

Does the fact that God had wrought for them dimmish 
the honor due to Joshua ? 

Was it really the prowess of Israel that had subdued 
the land, or the power of God with them ? 

Have we any direct testimony on this point ? Ps. 
xliv. 3. 

Is this language of Joshua that which every pious 
man uses ? 

Ver. 4. Does he mean that he divided the nations, or 
the land belonging to them ? 

What does " remain " mean ? Remain unconquered. 

Who were those nations ? Remnants of the Canaan- 
ites. 

Ver. 5. On what condition are the promises of God 
given? The condition of obedience to him. ver. 6. 

Ver. 6. Would the promises of God drive out the 
heathen unless his people had courage? ch. i. 7-9. 

Ver. 7. What kind of alliances were most to be 
feared among the heathen by whom they were sur- 
rounded? Acknowledging their gods to be suitable 
objects of worship, and marrying among their families. 

Why might they not swear by their gods ? 

Why not make mention of them ? Ps. xvi. 4 ; Hos. 
ii. 16, 17. 

What is the effect of habitually using the names of 
idols ? It diminishes abhorrence of them. 

Ver. 8. Had they always, in all particulars, obeyed 
God, or does Joshua refer to their general conduct ? 

What makes men strong in battle ? 

1 . A just cause. 

2. A pure life. 

3. The blessing of God. 



61 

Ver. 11. Of whom had they the most to fear, them- 
selves or their enemies ? 

Should a sense of divine protection lessen our efforts r 

What then should it lessen ? Our anxieties. 

Ver. 13. Is this language literal or figurative? 

Did these predictions all come to pass on the Israel- 
ites ? 

Are they suffering from the consequences of these 
sins even to this day r 

Ver. 14. What is the meaning of " go the way of all 
the earth " ? 

How long had Joshua's experience of the promises 
of God been ? About sixty years. 

Was it true that all God's promises had been fulfilled ? 

Were they always brought about in the way they 
expected ? 

Will the threatenings of God be as certainly fulfilled 
as his promises of blessing ? 

Ver. 16. What double restraint was put upon the 
Israelites to keep them from idolatry ? God was their 
King as well as the Deity whom they worshipped. 

What two sins, then, did they commit, if they fell into 
idolatry of the heathen gods ? 

1. Impiety. 

2. Treason. 

What practice which might seem innocent was for- 
bidden, to guard against this sin? Deut. xii. 13. 
In what two things does idolatry consist ? 

1. Worshipping as the true God some other per- 
son or thing besides Jehovah. 

2. Worshipping the true God under some image. 
Ex. xxxii. 4, 5. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

The most useful men must yield to the infirmities of 
age?^ 

We should do as fast as we can because our end must 
soon come ? 

The experience and testimony of age to the goodness 
of God is valuable ? 
6 



62 

Faith in God leads men to act as if they saw the ful- 
filment of his promises ? 

The fact that God will aid us, is a reason why we 
should strive to do our duties ? 

We cannot be intimate with the wicked without en- 
dangering our own souls ? 

When God is for us, men cannot hurt us ? 

Obedience to God gives us safety, while disobedience 
covers us with ruin ? 

The fact that God has hitherto kept his promises 
should lead us to believe he will keep all his promises 
and threatenings for the future ? 



LESSON XXII. 

JOSHUA'S LAST ADDRESS TO ISRAEL. 

Verse 1. Where was Shechem? Thirty- five miles 
north of Jerusalem, in the valley between Mount Ebal 
and Mount Gerizim. 

Why did they come together at Shechem ? 

1. It was nearer Joshua's home than Shiloh, 
and he was old and infirm. 

2. Here God made his covenant with Abraham. 
Gen. xii. 6, 7. 

3. Here it was renewed. Josh. viii. 30. 
What mention of these two mountains is made in 

Deut. xxvii. 1-13 ? 

What did the Samaritans contend for afterwards? 
That the altar should be on Mount Gerizim instead of 
on Mount Ebal, and they built a temple there. 

What proof of this fact do we find in the New Tes- 
tament ? John iv. 5 and 20. 

Is it probable that the ark was brought to Shechem 
on this occasion ? 

Was the ark ever thus temporarily removed ? 1 Sam. 
iv. 3 ; 2 Sam. xv. 24. 

How far was Shechem from Shiloh? About ten 
miles. 

Ver. 2. What is meant by the " flood" ? The river 
Euphrates. 



63 

Did Abraham and his family worship idols ? Prob- 
ably, before he was called by God. 

What reason have we to think that it was common to 
have little household gods after that ? Gen. xxxi. 19-35. 

Did they acknowledge the true God also ? Gen. 
xxxi. 53. 

Which of the patriarchs made his family give up these 
images ? Gen. xxxv. 2. 

What did he do with them ? Buried them under an 
oak in this very place. Gen. xxxv. 4. 

How is Abraham spoken of by Paul ? As ungodly, 
but justified by God. Rom. iv. 5. 

Yer. 3. What is meant by taking Abraham from the 
other side of the flood ? Induced him to leave the land 
of idolatry, and go into Canaan. 

Yer. 4. Wiry were Esau and Jacob separated ? That 
the land of Canaan, by the removal of Esau, might be 
reserved to Jacob and his posterity. 

Yer. 5, "Plagued Egypt." What is meant? Sent 
upon the Egyptians the ten plagues by the hand of 
Moses and Aaron. 

Were these people whom Joshua addressed the same 
who were brought out of Egypt ? ver. 6. 

Yer. 7. How long were the Israelites in the wilder- 
ness ? ch. v. 6. 

Yer. 8. Who was the king of the Amorites at that 
time ? Num. xxi, 21. 

Whose inheritance was the land thus conquered ? 

Yer. 9. Did Balak ever engage in war with Israel, or 
did he only prepare and intend to fight ? Num. xxiii, ; 
Judg. xi. 25. 

Yer. 10. How was Balaam's purpose overruled? 
Num. xxiii. and xxiv. 

Yer. 12. Was this prophesied? Ex. xxiii. 28 ; Deut. 
vii. 20. 

How is it differently understood ? 

1. By some supposed to be literally the insect 
spoken of. 

2. By others to mean, figuratively, the terrors 
and perplexities of the Canaanites. 

Could they ever have conquered these powerful na- 
tions if the Lord had not helped them ? Ps. xliv. 3. 



64 

Ver. 13. Was this foretold by Moses ? Deut. vi. 10-12. 
Ver. 14. How is this address of Joshua to the peo- 
ple divided ? 

1. The doctrine, which was a statement of all 
that God had done for his people Israel. 

2. The application, which was an exhortation to 
obedience and reverence towards God, in con- 
sideration of all his goodness. 

What does Joshua urge the people to do ? 

1. To serve the true God in sincerity and with 
humility. 

2. To destroy any images they might have, and 
shun every temptation to idolatry. 

3. To make a deliberate choice whom they would 
serve. 

Are we in any danger of the sin of idolatry ? 

What are some of the idols that we serve ? 

Ver. 15. What example did Joshua set the people ? 

Would his example have a great effect ? 

What prophet afterwards urged upon the people the 
same choice ? 1 Kings xviii. 21. 

Ver. 16. Were the people ready to decide ? 

What two reasons did they give for their choice ? 

Ver. 19. Did Joshua mean to discourage the people ? 

No ; but to show them the character and demands of 
the God they had chosen. 

Ver. 23. What proof of their sincerity did Joshua 
require ? 

Ver. 27. How could a stone be a witness ? 

Was this expression a common one ? Gen. xxxi. 48 ; 
Deut. xxxi. 19 ; Josh. xxii. 26-28. 

Ver. 29. Which of the patriarchs died at the same 
age? Gen. 1. 26. 

Were the last five verses of this book added by some 
one else after Joshua's death? 

Ver. 32. Had they carried the body of Joseph with 
them in all their wanderings ? 

How were bodies preserved in those days ? Gen. 1. 26. 

Where do we find the account of Jacob's buying" 
this land? Gen. xxxiii. 19. 

Was it customary for persons to be buried in theii 
own inheritance ? Gen. xlix. 29-31. 



65 



PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

Good men never relax their zeal for Christ, even in 
old age ? 

We must not serve idols in private, while in the eyes 
of men we worship, in form, the true God? 

We may be guilty of idolatry without worshipping 
images? 

To serve the Lord is not beneath the most distin- 
guished men ? 

Those who possess influence, and rule in other things, 
should be first in the service of God ? 

We should do right, whatever course others may 
pursue ? 

God's care for us is our greatest inducement to serve 
him ? 

Each one must choose for himself which he will serve 
— God or the world ? 



INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER TO THE BOOK 
OF JUDGES. 

LESSON XXIII. 

What tends to make the book of Judges obscure ? 

1. We live more than three thousand years after 
the events took place. 

2. The habits and customs of the times were 
very different from ours. 

3. The accounts are very much compressed. 

4. The whole order and habits of society are 
changed. 

What is the period of time embraced in the history of 
the judges ? 

Three hundred years from the settlement of Canaan 
and the death of Joshua. 
6* 



66 

What was the form of government during this time ? 
Republican. 

How long did the republic last ? Prom Joshua to 
Saul — four hundred and fifty years. 

When was the book written? Probably not until 
after the days of Saul, the first king. 

Why are we to suppose it was written so late ? 

1. The author says, "In those days there was no 
king in Israel," as if there was one when he 
wrote the book. \ 

2. He says also, that the Jebusites then held the 
city of Jerusalem, ch. i. 21 ; and as David con- 
quered them, the book must have been written 
between the reigns of Saul and David. 

Who, probably, is the author of the book ? Samuel, 
for he lived just at this time. 

Did he write it or compile it ? He compiled it, be- 
cause the Song of Deborah was written and committed 
to memory by the army of Barak ; and some of the 
dialogues were spoken two hundred and fifty years 
before Samuel lived. 

Does the fact that it was compiled detract from its 
inspiration ? Not in the least. 

What was the besetting sin of Israel during the 
judges ? Idolatry, then and ever, was their sin. Amos 
v. 25, 26; Acts vii. 42, 43. 

What made them so madly given to idolatry ? 

1 . It permitted and encouraged all their vilest sins, 

2. It gave vices the sanction of religion. 
What precautions were taken to prevent idolatry ? 

1. The food of the Israelites was different. 

2. Their dress was different. 

3. The commands of God were laid upon them. 

4. The promises of God were held out to them. 

5. The most dreadful threatenings were made to 
them. 

6. They were made to enter into covenant, and 
swear repeatedly against idolatry. 

With the history of what generation does the book 
of Judges commence ? The generation after Joshua. 

Where was the tabernacle during the time of the 
judges ? At Shiloh. 



67 

What had the tribes in common during this time ? 

1. God was their Ruler. 

2. Their religion and place of worship was one. 

3. Their priesthood was one. 

4. Their Urim and Thummim, or oracle, was 
common to all. 

5. Their language was common to all. 

6. They were all governed by the same laws. 
How did idolatry creep in after the death of Joshua : 

1. The tribes did not unite and drive out the 
Canaanites. 

2. They formed alliances with them in marriage. 

3. They traded with them. 

4. They set up images, because inconvenient to 
go up to Shiloh to worship. 

Was the period of the judges a time of war or of 
peace ? Generally a period of peace. 
How does this appear r 

1. Out of four hundred and fifty years of the 
republic, they were oppressed only one hun- 
dred and eleven. 

2. Only one or two tribes were oppressed at once. 
Out of what tribes were these judges or deliverers 

raised } Usually out of the tribes most oppressed. 

The transactions of another book took place during 
the judges. What book is that ? The book and his- 
tory of Ruth, 

Why should the neighboring nations be so ready to 
make war upon Israel ? 

1. They were jealous because they were coming 
in to possess the country ? 

2. They were good objects of plunder, having 
brought gold and silver and the arts out of 
Egypt. 

3. They hated the religion of the Hebrews. 

4. They hated their republican form of govern- 
ment. 

5. They saw that they were a talented and su- 
perior race of men. 

Who were some of the chief ones raised up as 
judges? Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Barak, 
Gideon, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Samson. 



LESSON XXIV. 

THE UNITED CONQUEST. — Ch. 1. 

Yerse 1. Was this long after the death of Joshua? 
Probably not very long, as it was before the appoint- 
ment of Othniel as first judge of Israel, who was 
Joshua's son-in-law. 

Why should they ask the Lord concerning this ? He 
was the only commander that all the tribes acknowl- 
edged. 

" Who shall go up for us?" Was this a common 
expression in reference to a military expedition ? Is. 
vii. 1 ; Jer. 1. 3. 

Yer. 2. Why was it suitable that Judah should be 
chosen ? 

1. It was the most numerous and powerful tribe. 

2. It was first in honor, and should be first in 
duty. 

3. Judah was first to have the inheritance, and 
therefore should fight first. 

4. Judah was the tribe from which Christ was 
to come — the most favored of all the tribes. 

What was the prophecy concerning Judah? Gen. 
xlix. 8-12. 

What is Christ sometimes called ? Rev. v. 5. 

What encouragement did they have ? 

Yer. 3. Why was it very natural that Simeon should 
be called upon ? Josh. xix. 1. 

What was the agreement between them ? 

Yer. 4. Who was probably the leader in this war ? 
Caleb. 

Had he secured his inheritance before this ? Com- 
pare Joshua xiv. 13-15 with Judg. i. 10, 11. 

Yer. 5. What is the meaning of Adoni-bezek ? 
Lord of Bezek. 

Yer. 6, 7. Was this a common punishment? 

What shows that Adoni-bezek had been a powerful 
king? 

What shows that there had been civil wars among 
the Canaanites ? 



69 

What shows that this king had a conscience r 

Does God cause sinners to be requited in proportion 
to their sins? Lev. xxiv. 19; 1 Sam. xv. 33 ; James 
ii. 13. 

Ver. 9. " Went down to fight." "What does it mean r 
Descended to the hill country south of Jerusalem. 

Is this account substantially the same as Josh. xv. 
14-19 r 

Is it possible to determine whether the events re- 
corded took place before or after the death of Joshua r 

Ver. 16. Who was "the Kenite"? Jethro. 

Why is he so called r Probably because he dwelt in 
a country of that name. 

What city was called "the city of palm trees " r Deut. 
xxxiv. 3. 

11 Among the people." What people are meant r The 
children of Judah, who lived there. 

Ver. 17. Did Judah remember his promise r 

Ver. 21. How long did the Jebusites continue to 
dwell at Jerusalem with the Israelites ? Until the time 
of David. 

What proof do we here find that this book was writ- 
ten before the reign of David r 

Ver. 22. What branch of the house of Joseph went 
against Bethel r Ephraim. 

What is the meaning of " Bethel" r The house of 
God. 

What is the meaning of " Luz " f An almond tree. 

Who changed the name of the place r Gen. xxviii. 
19. 

Did the Canaanites still call it Luz r 

Ver. 23. What prudent measures did they take r 

Ver. 24. Who was this man r Probably a guard or 
watchman. 

Did thev make him the same offer that they did to 
Rahab ? Josh. ii. 12-H. 

Was this conduct on the part of the man justifiable r 
If his motive was equally good with that of Rahab. 

Ver. 26. What reason have we to fear that it was 
not r He did not join the Israelites, but went to live 
with his own countrymen. 

Ver. 27. What is the meaning of "her towns," at- 



70 

tached to each of these cities ? The adjacent villages 
dependant on each. 

Could these tribes have utterly driven out all these 
Canaanites if they had tried faithfully ? 

Ver. 28. What aggravated their guilt that they did 
not? 

1. They were strong and powerful. 

2. They knew that God would help them. 
What mercenary object induced them to allow the 

Canaanites to remain ? 

Yer. 31. Which of all the tribes acquitted itself 
worst? Asher. 

Why ? Because it left more towns, and became itself 
subject to the Canaanites. 

What was this failure on the part of the tribes to 
possess the land fully owing to ? 

1. Their slothfulness and cowardice. 

2. Their covetousness. 

3. Their indifference to the danger of idolatry. 

4. Their unbelief. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

To whom much is given, of him will much be re- 
quired ? 

Union is strength ? 

Men are punished according to their sins ? 

When God's judgments alarm the conscience, even 
the most sinful acknowledge him ? 

We are fearful in times of danger if we lack faith ? 

In proportion to our faith will be our success in the 
Christian life ? 

The presence of God with us in our conflicts is the 
strongest assurance of triumph? 

The love of present ease brings future distress ? 

The love of money causes many sins ? 



71 
LESSON XXV. 

THE REBUKE. — Ch. ii. 

Verse 1. Who is the angel of the Lord supposed to 
be? A direct messenger from God, perhaps Christ 
himself. 

"Where was Bochim ? Probably at Shiloh. 

"Were the people probably assembled at this place 
when the messenger was sent to them ? 

What might be the reason of their coming together ? 

1. To prepare for war. 

2. To worship. 

Ver. 2, 3. In this short but comprehensive sermon 
or appeal to Israel, what does God tell them ? 

1. What He had done. 

2. What He had promised. 

3. What He expected of them. 

4. How they had deceived Him. 

5. What punishment they must look for. 
Ver. 4. What sign of repentance did they show ? 
Ver. 5. What is the meaning of " Bochim " ? Weepers. 
What proof do we here find that this took place at 

Shiloh ? Sacrifices were seldom offered elsewhere. 

Ver. 6. Was this after the death of Joshua ? 

"Why, then, is it said as if he was alive ? It is a repe- 
tition of Josh. xxiv. 28, that the retrospect might place 
their transgressions in a more striking light. 

What use does the author make of this retrospect ? 

He undertakes to show how the predictions of the 
angel were fulfilled, and that it may be clear, he men- 
tions, — 

1. That they were happily established in Canaan. 

2. That they continued in the faith and worship 
of God during a generation after the death of 
Joshua. 

3. That with the death of their leader their in- 
terest in religion began to decline. 

4. That the new generation were not instructed 
in the knowledge of the true God, so that they 
forsook him. 



72 

Ver. 11. "What does " Baalim " mean ? Lords. 

What does this prove ? That the gods whom they 
served were numerous. 

Ver. 12. What are some of the sins the Israelites 
committed in forsaking God ? 

1. Rebellion. 

2. Ingratitude. 

3. Perjury. 

Ver. 13. What is the meaning of "Ashtaroth" ? 
Blessed ones. 

What were these gods ? Baal represented all the 
male, and Ashtaroth all the female deities of the land ; and 
the sun and moon were worshipped under these names. 

Ver. 14, 15. What were the consequences of their 
forsaking God ? 

1. Success in war was turned against them, for 
God was their enemy. 

2. The power they had possessed was lost. 
How was this punishment right and just ? 

1. It corresponded with their sin. 

2. It corresponded with what the Lord had said. 
" Whithersoever they went out." What does it 

mean ? Whatsoever they undertook. 

Ver. 16. Did God pity them on account of their dis- 
tress, even in the midst of their sins ? 

What did he do to help them ? 

Ver. 17. Did this cause them to return ? 

What does this prove ? 

1 . That they were distressed on account of their 
troubles, and not for their sins. 

2. When the danger was past, so was their re- 
pentance. 

Ver. 18. Were these judges good men ? 

Does God ever repent? 

What, then, does this mean ? The course of his prov- 
idence was so changed, that to men he seemed to have 
altered his mind, or repented. 

Is this expression a common one in the Bible ? Gen. 
vi. 6 ; Deut. xxxii. 36 ; Ps. cvi. 45. 

How did the sins of the Israelites work their own 
punishment? They did not drive out the Canaanites, 
and the remnant which were left proved their ruin. 



73 

Does God spare the wicked for his own wise purposes r 
Job xxi. 30 ; Ps. xxxvii. 35, xciv. 5 ; Prov. xvi. 4. 

Had God warned them that they could not resist the 
temptation to idolatry ? Deut. vii. 4. 

Ver. 21. Had they been fully warned of this ?■ Josh, 
xxiii. 13. 

Ver. 22. Had God proved the Israelites in a similar 
manner before this r Deut. viii. 2 and 16; Ex. xvi. 4. 

Does this show the wonderful long suffering of God 
towards sinful men? Lam. iii. 32, 33; Ezek. xxxiii. 11. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

We may be affected for a time with a sense of our 
sins, and yet not feel true repentance ? 

It requires constant effort to keep from sinning ? 

Prosperity brings great temptations ? 

It is easy to fall into the sins of those by whom we 
are surrounded ? 

God pities us, even in the midst of our sins ? 

Even in the darkest times God can raise up good men 
to serve him ? 

When we are delivered from immediate distress, we 
are apt to forget God, who relieved us ? 

We often think we are strong to resist temptation, 
until we are tried r 

God punishes us by means of our own sins r 

Although the wicked may be left to prosper in this 
life, yet they will be punished at last ? 



LESSOR XXVI. 

THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN. — Chap. iii. 

Verse 1. Who were they of the Israelites who had 
not known all the wars of Canaan ? A generation who 
had arisen since the entrance into the promised land. 

Ver. 2. What opportunity was given them from time 
to time to prove whether they were ready to return to> 
7 



74 

God ? War, by which they could drive out all the 
Canaanites forever, if they would, 

Yer. 3. Who were these lords? 1 Sam. vi. 17. 

Had the Israelites ever attempted to conquer them ? 
ch. i. 18, 19. 

Yer. 5. What shows that the Canaanites were very 
powerful at this time ? The Israelites are spoken of as 
living among them, as if subordinate. 

Yer. 7. What were the groves ? Groves of trees, in 
which carved images were set up for worship." 

Had the Israelites been especially warned and com- 
manded concerning these groves ? Deut. vii. 5, xvi. 21. 

Yer. 8. How did the Lord sell Israel to Cushan- 
rishathaim? ch. ii. 14; Ps. xliv. 12. 

Yer. 9-11. What may we observe ia this short ac- 
count of Othniel ? 

1. That he continued faithful to the religion of 
his family. 

2. That he was appointed by God, and not by 
Israel, who might have made a worse choice. 

3. The method he took to deliver Israel, first to 
reprove and judge, afterwards to fight for 
them. 

4. The success which God gave him. 

Yer. 12. Why was this an aggravated sin of Israel ? 

Yer. 13. What city was this ? 

Yer. 15. What is it to be left-handed ? 

Was this a peculiarity of the tribe of Benjamin ? ch. 
xx. 15, 16. 

Why did they send this present ? 

Yer. 16. Why did he gird it upon his right thigh ? 
ver. 15. 

Yer. 17, 18. Was it common to offer presents as a 
means of propitiation in those days ? Gen. xxxii. 
13-18, xliii. JLl"; 1 Kings x. 2 and 10. 

Yer. 19. What shows that the king was unsuspi- 
cious? 

Ver. 20. What was this summer parlor ? A room 
built in such a way as to be cool in warm weather. 
Amos hi. 15. 

What mark of respect did this heathen king show to 
the God of Israel ? 



75 

Ver. 23. What was Ehud's object in locking the doors : 

Ver. 24. Was this expression, " cover eth his feet," often 
used in regard to persons taking rest ? 1 Sam. xxiv. 3. 

Ver. 25. How were these servants at last aroused to 
suspicion ? 

Ver. 26. What quarries were these ? Josh. iv. 20. 

What does " Seiroth " mean ? A thick wood. 

W T hy was this course remarkably discreet ? 

Ver. 27. Why did he go to Mount Ephraim r Be- 
cause it was at some distance, and he could better 
gather his army. 

What effect would the sound of this trumpet have on 
the disheartened tribes ? 

Ver. 28. What act of policy did he at once perform: 

Ver. 29. Was this one victory decisive ? 

In this history of Ehud, where do we learn, among 
his peculiar characteristics, that he was a man, 

1 . Who was thoughtful beforehand r 

2. Who could keep his own counsel? 

3. Who had cool courage ? 

4. Who had wonderful presence of mind ? 
o. Who had the policy of a good general ? 
6. Who had the bravery of a successful leader r 

How is the Bible more remarkable than any other 
book in delineation of character ? The accounts are 
brief and concise, and the character is shown by actions 
and results, rather than by description of character. 

Ver. 31. WTiat was the state of the land during the 
life of Shamgar? ch. v. 6-8. 

What is an ox goad ? 

Who was this man, probably r A man in humble 
life, but strong, and ready to defend his tribe from the 
Philistines. 

Did he deliver all Israel? Only those near the 
Philistines. 

For what must this man have been remarkable ? 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 
The neglect of one generation to discharge its duties 
is bitterly felt by the next ? 



76 

God honors those who have faithfully served him ? 

God increases the length and severity of his judg- 
ments in proportion to the sins of the wicked ? 

God is ready to hear and answer prayer ? 

God chooses those for his servants who might seem 
to us unfit to perform his plans ? 

The commands of God make that right which would 
otherwise be wrong ? 

When God marks the wicked for destruction, he 
blinds them to their danger ? 

Those who pamper the body do but prepare for their 



own misery 



God sometimes chooses to work by the most un- 
likely means, that his glory may the better appear ? 



LESSON XXVII. 

DEBORAH AND BARAK DELIVER ISRAEL. — Chap. iv. 

Yerse 1 . "What was the " evil "- or sin especially meant 
here ? Idolatry, and the vices connected with it. 

What word indicates their special guilt in this ? 

Why is it mentioned that this took place after the 
death of Ehud ? To show the time when, and that if 
he had been living he would have prevented it. 

Ver. 2. What is meant by the expression, " the Lord 
sold them " ? ch. ii. 14. 

Does it mean that God received any compensation, 
or only that he alienated them from himself, as we do 
when we sell an estate ? 

What other king of this name have we met with? 
Josh. xi. 1-10. 

When had this city been burned ? 

How, then, could it now exist? It had been re- 
built. 

What would tend to make this Jabin cruel ? The 
treatment of his ancestor and city by Joshua. 

How would this circumstance aggravate the suffer- 
ings of Israel? 

What does " Harosheth of the Gentiles " mean ? The 



77 

city in the midst of the Canaanites, and in the tribe of 
Naphtali. 

Ver. 3 . How long was he permitted to tyrannize over 
the Israelites ? 

What was his chief instrument of subjugation ? 

Had any previous oppression been as long as this ? 

What word expresses the severity of his oppression ? 

"Why were these chariots of iron so much to be 
dreaded ? 

In what did these oppressions of Jabin consist ? 

1. In making laws over them. 

2. In heavy taxes. 

3. In severe punishments. 

4. In their having no redress. 
Why did they not cry unto their idols ? 

Ver. 4. What are the prophets and prophetesses in 
the Bible ? Such as sometimes either, 

1. By divine aid foretell future things ; 

2. Or work miracles ; 

3. Or chant God's praises under divine in- 
fluence ; 

4. Or by divine inspiration are interpreters of 
God's will. 

To which of these classes did Deborah belong ? The 
last. 

Do we hear any thing of any prophet during the 
sinning of the people ? 

What does the Hebrew word "Deborah" mean in 
English ? A bee. 

What is meant by her judging Israel ? She acted for 
God, 

1. In giving counsel. 

2. In correcting abuses. 

3. Redressing wrongs. 

4. Advising as to public worship. 

5. Expounding the Scriptures. 

Why was it a wise appointment of God that a wo- 
man should rule Israel at this time ? Had it been a 
man, Jabin might have taken alarm. 

Ver. 5. What is meant by her dwelling under a palm 
tree ? Either that she ordinarily dwelt in a palm 
grove, or had her place of judgment there. 
7* 



78 

In what tribe was this ? On the confines of Benja- 
min and Ephraim. 

Where were Ramah and Bethel ? Raman was six 
and Bethel twelve miles north of Jerusalem. 

Ver. 6. Why is it mentioned that it was Kadesh in 
Naphtali ? Because there was a Kadesh in Judah and 
in Issachar. » 

Does she mean to ask if the Lord had commanded 
Barak or herself ? 

What is meant by drawing towards Tabor ? Draw- 
ing his volunteers by persuasions and appeal. 

WTiere was Tabor ? Six miles south-east of Naza- 
reth. 

What kind of a mountain is it ? Between two and 
three thousand feet high, with a winding road to the top. 

Does she mean precisely ten thousand men, or about 
that ? Not less than that number. 

Were there soldiers from any tribes but the two men- 
tioned ? ch. v. 14-23. 

From what tribe was Barak ? 

Ver. 7. Does she mean that she will do all this, or 
is she speaking God's will ? 

How does God draw his creatures ? By the motives 
which his providence places around them. 

Ver. 8. What shows that Barak lacked faith ? 

How do we know that he had the right kind of 
faith, though weak ? Heb. xi. 32. 

Ver. 9. What shows that Deborah disapproved his 
want of faith ? 

Who was Sisera ? ver. 2. 

Whom did she mean by " a woman " ? 

What prediction of Deborah here shows that she was 
a prophetess ? 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 
Judgments do not wean men from sin I 
No evil escapes the eye of God ? 
God has instruments of punishment always ready ? 
When good men die, and their influence is gone, the 
increase of wickedness is seen ? 



79 

Men will often pray in trouble who will not at any 
other time ? 

God can select his own instruments by which to in- 
struct men ? 

We need not go to the learned nor to the city to find 
great and good character ? 

Wise and good people will be sought out ? 

When God's time comes, he can draw his friends for 
their good, and his enemies to their ruin ? 

Faith in God gives courage ? 

God condescends to the weakness of men ? 

The destiny of men is in the hand of the Lord ? 



LESSON XXVIII. 

Chap. iv. 3 continued. 

Yer. 10. How did he probably call them ? By mes- 
sengers. 

What is meant by the phrase "at his feet" ? On 
foot, and submissive to his commands, ch. v. 15. 

Yer. 11. Where had most of this family chosen their 
place of residence? ch. i. 16. 

In what tribe was this Heber residing ? In the tribe 
of Naphtali. 

Yer. 12. "They showed." What is the meaning? 
It was told to Sisera. 

Yer. 13. How were they gathered ? By proclama- 
tion. 

Where was their place of gathering ? 

Why near a river ? 

Yer. 14. Does she mean Sisera or his army? 

Was Sisera delivered into the power of Barak ? 
ver. 9. 

Had God promised to gather Sisera's army at Kishon ? 

Did Sisera appoint that place because he wanted to 
meet God's appointment ? 

What is meant by the Lord is gone out before thee ? 
Putting every thing in readiness, and securing the vic- 
tory. 2 Sam, v. 24 ; Ps. lxviii. 7 ; Is. lii. 12. 



80 

Why would Barak's position en Tabor appear the 
safest ? The iron chariots could not reach him. 

Which had every advantage to gain the victory ? 

How does this show the faith of Barak ? 

Yer. 15. Was this confusion produced by the fight, 
or was it supernatural ? Probably both. ch. v. 20. 

How does Josephus, the Jewish historian, explain it ? 
He says it was a terrible hail storm. 

Why should Sisera alight, and flee on foot ? He 
would be less likely to be recognised and slain. 

Yer. 1G. Which army was the larger ? 

How many were in the army of Sisera according to 
Josephus ? 

Three hundred thousand footmen, 
Ten thousand cavalry, 
Three thousand chariots. 

How does this number of chariots agree with the 
Bible ? It is greater ; but while he had nine hundred 
iron chariots, he might have had many wooden ones. 

Yer. 17. Did Sisera know where this tent was, or 
did he come upon it accidentally ? 

What here implies that Heber was a man of some 
consequence ? 

Was this peace a special league, or only a state in 
which they were not at war ? 

Of what religion was Heber ? The Jewish. 

Yer. 18. Is it probable that Jael knew Sisera at first ? 

Did she probably intend to kill him when he came to 
her? 

Was the invitation especially for a snare, or only the 
common hospitality of the age ? 

What is meant by a mantle ? A rug, or blanket. 

Yer. 19. Why give him, milk when he asked for 
water ? 

What kind of bottles did they have in those days? 

Yer. 20. Did she promise to do as he said? 

Yer. 21. Why did she not wait for Barak to come? 
She was probably moved by a divine impulse to do it 
at once. 

How is this act spoken of? ver. 9, and ch. v. 24. 

What was this nail of the tent? One of the pins 
driven into the ground, to hold the tent securely. 



81 

What kind of a hammer did she have ? Probably a 
heavy wooden mallet. 

How would she think of this instrument ? She had 
doubtless been accustomed to drive the tent pins. 

What was fastened to the ground ? The tent pin. 

Why is it mentioned that he was weary ? 

How could he sleep after such a terrible defeat ? 

Was Jael justified in doing this ? Yes, under a divine 
impulse, ch. v. 20. 

Would this be a safe example for us ? 

Why may we not act out our impulses ? We are now 
guided by the Bible. 

Ver. 22. What two predictions of Deborah did 
Barak now see fulfilled ? 

Ver. 24. What is meant by " the hand" in such cases ? 

Why is it mentioned that Jabin was king of Canaan ? 
To show that he was to be destroyed by God's com- 
mand. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

God often permits men of pride to engage in that 
which will prove their ruin ? 

When we are successful, we are only the means, and 
the honor belongs to God r 

When the enemies of God feel that they are safe, sud- 
den destruction may come upon them ? 

The very means to which the wicked trust for safety 
prove their destruction ? 

Deeds which are accomplished by men are ascribed 
to God, just as if men had nothing to do with them ; 
and are at the same time ascribed to men, as if God had 
nothing to do with them ; and thus human and divine 
agency may, and do, cooperate in harmony ? 

God can bring the loftiness of man low ? 



82 
LESSON XXIX. 

SONG OF DEBORAH AND BARAK. — Chap. v. 

Yerse 1. By whom was this song written? Deborah. 
Can you give the natural divisions of this song ? 

• 1. Thanksgiving for the patriotism of her nation, 
and a call to the heathen kings to hear the 
song of triumph, ver. 1-3. 

2. A magnificent description of Sinai, and the 
manifestations of God's power, ver. 4, 5. 

3. A description of the awful state of Israel 
during the twenty years of oppression, ver. 6-8. 

4. A vivid description of the present happy state 
of the country, and a call upon herself and 
Barak to praise God. ver. 9-13. 

5. A commendation for those who volunteered 
in this war, and a rebuke to those who hung 
back. ver. 14-18. 

6. A beautiful description of the battle, and an 
indignant rebuke upon Meroz for not aiding. 
ver. 19-23. 

7. Eulogy upon Jael, and a poetic description of 
the death of Sisera. ver. 24-27. 

8. The highest poetical description of the disap- 
pointment of God's enemies, and of the final 
triumph of the good. ver. 28-31. 

For what has this song been admired ? For its won- 
derful poetic beauty. 

Was it sung by Deborah and Barak alone ? Probably 
by the whole army. 

Ver. 2. When may we most confidently praise God? 
When we willingly obey him. 

Ver. 3 . Who were these kings ? The heathen kings 
opposed to Israel, 

Why is the word "I" repeated? That she might 
show how "I," a feeble woman, could sing of their 
overthrow. 

Ver. 4, 5. Why does she recall the wonders of 
Sinai ? To show that the same power now delivered 
Israel. 



83 

"Were these done literally ? No ; it is a poetic descrip- 
tion of that occasion. 

Ver. 6. Why were the highways unoccupied ? 

Yer. 7. What is meant by " villages ceased" ? Be- 
came uninhabited, by reason of oppression. 

Yer. 8. Why is the fact that they had new gods men- 
tioned ? Because it was the occasion of all their misery. 

What is mentioned as an aggravation of their sin ? 
They chose them. 

What is meant by war in the gates ? Sieges of the 
enemy, and cQurts of justice, held near the gates, bro- 
ken up. 

Was it literally so that there was not a spear among 
forty thousand ? It is poetic, meaning great destitu- 
tion. 

Yer. 9. Who were the governors ? Leaders and chief 
men. 

Yer. 10. What is meant by " speak" ? Celebrate in 
song with me ; join with me. 

Who are they that ride on white asses ? The chief 
men. 

Why were white asses so valuable ? They were very 
scarce, and were desirable because on all great occa- 
sions the Hebrews dressed in white. 

Who are they that walk by the way ? Small traf- 
fickers and humble travellers. 

Yer. 11. What is this allusion to the watering places ? 
In times of war and anarchy the pools and fountains 
were beset by robbers and banditti ; now, after this 
victory, the people might sit down by them and sing of 
their deliverance. 

What is meant by " go down to the gates" ? Occupy 
the deserted villages. 

Yer. 12. What is meant by ''lead thy captivity 
captive" ? Take those captive who held thee captive. 

Yer. 14. Why are these several tribes mentioned? 

Yer. 15. Because they came and volunteered to help 
their brethren. 

What is meant by " great thoughts of heart" ? 
Reuben seemed at first resolved to aid, and then drew 
back. 

Yer. 16-18. What is the intention of these verses? 



84 

To rebuke the tribes that were too cowardly and selfish 
to help in this war. 

Ver. 19. What kings are meant ? 

What is meant by their taking no gain of money ? 
They were so sanguine of success that they determined 
not to let Israel off by any ransom. Is. xiii. 17. 

Ver. 20. What do you understand by stars fighting? 
The elements, storms, hail, winds, thunder and lightning. 

Yer. 21. How could the River Kishon sweep them 
away ? It was probably swollen by sudden and great 
rains, and thus drowned them in crossing after the 
battle. 

Yer. 22. How would the horses' hoofs be broken ? 
They were not shod in those days, and, in the hurry of 
flight and rough roads, were destroyed. 

Yer. 23. Whose is this curse ? 

Do we know any thing of the city afterwards ? Its 
name was blotted out forever. 

Yer. 24. May we suppose that the angel also pro- 
nounced this blessing ? 

Yer. 31. How is the disappointment of Sisera's 
mother expressed ? 

Is it right to pray for the destruction of God's 
enemies ? 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

Special deliverances demand special thanksgiving ? 

If men forsake God, they must expect to be visited 
with trouble ? 

God is to be praised for all the good we receive at 
the hand of man ? 

Good people desire all, high and low, to acknowledge 
and praise God for his mercies ? 

God takes the side of the oppressed ? 

Liberty to go out and travel, and do business in 
safety, is an unspeakable blessing? 

Those who trust to the vanities of this world for en- 
joyment are doomed to disappointment ? 

The enemies of God have the prayers of the good 
against them ? 

The good will finally triumph ? 



85 
LESSON XXX. 

THE OPPRESSION OF MIDIAN. — Chap. vi. 

Yerse 1. What evil is especially meant here ? 

How long since they had been punished for the same 
sin ? ch. v. 31. 

What is meant by Midian ? The Midianites. 

How long was it since Moses destroyed most of 
these? Num. xxxi. 1-18. About two hundred years. 

How were they able to oppress Israel at this time ? 
They had recovered, and greatly increased. 

Whom did they associate with them in this war ? ver . 3 . 

Ver. 2. Did they hew these caverns out of the rocks, 
or were they already there ? They only fitted them up 
to live in. 

Where were these caves ? In the sides of very steep 
mountains. 

Ver. 3. What kind of people were these Midianites ? 
Wandering herdsmen. 

What people in that country at the present day are 
like them ? The Bedouin Arabs. 

What is the effect upon a country overrun and ruled 
by a migratory people ? Poverty and ruin. 

Who are meant by the children of the east ? Mixed 
tribes of Arabians, Moabites, &c, who lived in the 
south-east part of the country. 

Ver. 4. Does this mean a regular encampment, or 
only short military excursions ? 

What is the meaning of the phrase " till thou come 
to Gaza " ? Across the whole breadth of the country. 

Why should they carry off the cattle ? 

Ver. 5. How is this description different from the 
last verse ? It is only an enlargement of that account. 

W^hat is implied by their coming with their cattle and 
tents ? That they came with their families and settled 
down, and engaged in prolonged occupations. 

" Entered the land to destroy it." Was this the object 
or result of their coming ? 

What calamity followed this? A great famine. 
Ruth i. 



86 

What migration of a family took place about this 
time ? Ruth i. 

Yer. 7. What is the meaning of << cried unto the 
Lord " ? Repented of sin, put away idolatry, and 
prayed for help. 

Ver. 8. What was the immediate answer to their 
prayer ? 

Do we know the name of this prophet ? 

If they prayed for deliverance, why did Go4 send 
something else, and something they had not asked for ? 

Do we know how the prophet did his errand ? 

In what ways might he have done it ? 

1 . He might have convinced the chief rulers and 
fathers. 

2. He might have gone from city to city, and 
from tribe to tribe. 

What was his special duty ? To convince them of 
their ingratitude and sin. 

Yer. 9. How did God bring them up from Egypt ? 
By bringing their fathers. 

Who were those who had oppressed, or tried to 
oppress, Israel ? Sihon, Og, Balak, Midian, and espe- 
cially Egypt. 

Yer. 10. Who are meant by the Amorites? The dif- 
ferent tribes of the Canaanites. Josh. xxiv. 14, 15. 

How did they show that they feared these gods ? 

Is there any express promise of deliverance here ? 

Is any implied, or is it a general principle in God's 
government that mercy and pardon follow repentance ? 

How do we know this was the case here ? By what 
God did on their repentance. 

Yer. 11. What is an angel ? 

Is Christ ever called an angel ? Ex. iii. 2-7, xxiii. 
20; Acts vii. 30-32,37, 38. 

Who was this angel ? 

What was Ophrah ? A city in the tribe of Manas- 
seh, about sixteen miles north of Jericho. 

What other city bore the same name ? A city in 
Benjamin. Josh, xviii. 23. 

Why is it mentioned how they threshed the wheat ? 
To show how secretly and in what small quantities they 
had to do it. 



87 

How did they usually thresh their wheat ? By 
using cattle to tread it out, and drawing a kind of sled 
over it. 

Ver. 12. Was this a prediction, or an ancient mode 
of salutation ? 

How did Gideon understand it ? ver. 13. 

Had Gideon done any thing to show that he was 
a man of valor, or is it a prediction of what he was 
to do? 

Yer. 13. "What shows that Gideon closely identified 
himself with his people ? 

How does he show that their troubles are in conse- 
quence of God's withdrawing from them : 

What weakness does Gideon here manifest ? Want 
of faith. 

How was it true that God had and had not forsaken 
them ? 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

Men will not learn by the experience of former gen- 
erations ? 

New sins bring new judgments ? 

God never lacks instruments with which to correct ? 

When we abuse blessings, we are often left to suffer 
for the want of them ? 

The wicked readily band together against the people 
of God ? 

No land is fruitful enough to support an idle popula- 
tion? 

Oppression will bring deep poverty ? 

Our only hope for deliverance from sin and its conse- 
quences is to cry unto the Lord ? 

When God is about to show mercy to his people, he 
first convinces them of their sins ? 

Providence often develops hidden character ? 

God can endow the most feeble with strength ? 



88 
LESSON XXXI. 

Chap, vi., continued. 

Yerse 14. Was this merely a direction of the eyes, 
or did the look convey preternatural endowments ? 
Luke xxii. 61. 

With what did this look inspire Gideon ? 

Did God call Gideon because he was qualified, or 
qualify him because he called him ? 

" Have not I sent thee ? " Who does this show the 
speaker to be ? 

Yer. 15. How was Israel divided? Ex. xviii. 25, 
Micah v. 2. 

Does he mean that he was the youngest of his family, 
or the least competent, or the least known ? 

Yer. 16. What is meant by the words " as one 
man" ? As easily and effectually as if they were but 
one man. 

Yer. 17. What assurance did Gideon seek to obtain ? 
That it was really God who talked with him. 

Was it wrong to make this request ? 

What did he probably mean by a sign ? A miracle. 

Yer. 18. Why did Gideon bring this present ? 

1. As a mark of hospitality ; or 

2. As an offering like Gen. xviii. 8, or Gen. 
iv. 3, 4 ; 

3. Or as an offering by which he expected his 
sign to be given. 

Yer. 19. What shows that the Midianites had not 
entirely stripped them of every thing ? 

In what ways did he cook this food ? 

Why put it in a basket ? That the guest might carry 
it with him. 

Was it, and is it still, common in that country to re- 
ceive guests in the open air? Gen. xviii. 6-8. 

Yer. 20. What was meant to be taught by this direc- 
tion ? That these things were to be received as an offers 
ing of worship, not as a token of hospitality. 

Yer. 21. What did this lire show ? 

1. That the angel did not need food. 



89 

2. That Gideon's offering was accepted. 

3. That this should be a sign in accordance with 
Gideon's request. 

In what way did the angel depart ? ch. xiii. 20. 

Ver. 22. How did Gideon perceive that he was a 
divine being ? 

What effect did this discovery have on Gideon ? 

Yer. 23. Was this spoken by an audible voice, or 
an inward suggestion ? 

Why did Gideon fear death ? Gen. xxxii. 30 ; Ex. 
xxxiii. 20. 

Ver. 24. Where did he build the altar? On the 
very rock. 

What does " Jehovah- shalom " mean? God of peace, 
or God my peace. 

Ver. 25. Had Gideon built the altar before the vision 
recorded in the next verses, or is verse twenty-four by 
way of anticipation ? 

Ver. 26. What is meant by the second bullock ? 

1. Perhaps the Midianites had left him but two. 

2. Perhaps his father had reserved this for Baal. 
Why must Baal's altar be first thrown down ? 
What is meant by the ordered place ? Ex. xx. 24, 25. 
Ver. 27. W r as Gideon a priest ? 

How then could he offer a sacrifice ? God can change 
his own appointments. 

Was it fear or expediency that made Gideon do this 
in the night ? 

Whose god was Baal ? The Midianites' especially. 

Why were the citizens so excited ? They were mad 
with the love of idolatry. 

Ver. 29. By what means did they discover who had 
done it ? We do not know. 

Ver. 30. What power had a father over his son in 
those days ? 

Ver. 31. What made Joash, who was an idolater, 
turn against it ? Perhaps his son had told him of the 
visit of the angel. 

W r hat was the amount of his argument ? That if 
Baal was a god, he could avenge his own insults. 

Ver. 32. WTio received this name from that day ? 
ch. vii. 1. 

8* 



90 

What does " Jerubbaal" mean? A pleader or con- 
tender with Baal. 

Ver. 33. Went over what ? The River Jordan. 

Yer. 34. What effect did the Spirit have upon Gideon ? 
Made him bolder and more courageous. 

Who was Abi-ezer ? The kindred of Gideon. 

Yer. 36, 37. Did Gideon desire this miracle for the 
confirmation of his own faith, or the faith of his fol- 
lowers ? Probably the latter. 

What is there in this address unreverential ? The 
words " as thou hast said" seem to question the truth 
of God. 

What trait in God's character does this account show ? 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

A single look from the Lord can give His creatures 
courage ? 

God is willing to give His servants opportunity to 
honor him, and the will to do it ? 

When good people receive manifestations of God's 
mercy, it will lead them to honor Him the more ? 

The service of God may require us to expose our 
lives to danger ? 

Idolatry debases men ? 

If men are qualified for great and noble deeds, it is 
because God's spirit qualifies them ? 

God condescends to our very weaknesses ? 

Nothing gives us such true courage as to feel that 
God directs and approves our course ? 



LESSON XXXII. 

THE MIDIANITES ARE CONQUERED. — Chap. vii. 

Yerse 1. What is the meaning of "Harod " ? Tremb- 
ling ; so called, probably, from the panic in Gideon's army. 

Where was this fountain ? Near Mount Gilboa. 

What was the hill of Moreh ? Probably an eminence 
on Gilboa. 



91 

Ver. 2. Of how many did the army of Israel con- 
sist r Thirty-two thousand. 

Of how many the army of the Midianites ? One 
hundred and thirty-five thousand. 

What proportion did these bear to each other ? 

"What reason is given for the dismissal of so many 
men r 

Was it wrong for them to volunteer in this war ? 

What was wrong r 

What two great lessons did God teach by this reduc- 
tion r 

1. That God does not depend on men, but we 
depend on him for success. 

2. That as he could deliver by a small number, 
there was no excuse for Israel's being subjected 
to the Canaanites. 

Ver. 3. "Was this a new ordinance, or an old one ? 
Deut. xx, 8. 

Was there a Mount Gilead near Gilboa, on that side 
of the river ? Xo. 

What, then, is meant ? Probably he referred to the 
men of Gilead* Gideon's kindred. 

What proportion of the army returned r 

What was the cause of their return home r 

Ver. 4. How was Gideon's faith now severely tried r 

Did God know before the test who would stand it ? 

Were these men kept in the army by courage, or by 
fear of being thought cowards r 

Ver. 5. How does a dog lap water r 

Could men lap water in the same way ? 

How, then, do you explain it r They probably scooped 
it up rapidly with the hand, dashing it into the mouth. 
See ver. 6. 

Ver. 6. What would the two modes of drinking in- 
dicate r The hasty drinking would indicate courage, 
vigor, and endurance. The bowing down to drink 
would indicate sluggishness. 

Ver. 7. Does the word " you" refer to Gideon or to 
the nation r 

Ver. 8. Who are meant by " the people " r 

What valley was this r The valley of Jezreel. 

Ver. 9. Why is Gideon sent on this errand? 



92 

Ver. 10. "What does it imply as to his faith ? 

How had God delivered Midian into his power ? 

Yer. 11. Why did Gideon take his servant with 
him ? 

What special advantage would there be in it to the 
three hundred r 

What is meant by "thy hands shall be strength- 
ened " ? 

What was the condition of the camp ? 

Why would not the greatness of the host frighten 
Gideon ? 

Ver. 13. Is it probable that the dream and the inter- 
pretation of it was a divine suggestion ? 

Ver. 15. Was the worship of Gideon audible ? 

Why was he not offended to be called a barley loaf? 

To whom did he speak this ? 

Ver. 16. What was his design in dividing his men 
into three bands ? 

What was the object of the pitchers ? 

Ver. 17. Is it probable that he minutely explained 
the plan to them I 

Ver. 18. What was their war cry ? 

Ver. 19. What is the middle watch? A little after 
midnight. 

Was it the same night in which the dream was told ? 

Ver. 20. Why should the Midianites be so frightened? 

1. They were awakened suddenly out of sleep. 

2. They had never heard the like noises and 
cries. 

3. They supposed the army was large in propor- 
tion to the trumpeters. 

4. It was divine influence, ver. 22. 

Ver. 23. Did these include those who had been dis- 
missed ? 

Ver. 24. What is meant by taking of the waters ? 
The fords, to slay the enemy in their flight, when they 
attempted to cross the river. 

Ver. 25. In what two places did the leaders of 
Midian hide ? One in a cave in a rock ; the other in a 
wine press. 

Were these names given to these places before or after 
the death of these princes ? 



93 

Was it customary to take off the heads of enemies as 
trophies ? 

Mention an example in the life of David. 
Any in the family of Saul ? 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

"Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

We must use all the means in our power, even when 
God has promised to aid us ? 

God selects such agents as will show that it is He who 
brings about His own plans ? 

The people of God may be sometimes strengthened 
even by diminution ? 

Men are valuable not so much by number as by char- 
acter ? 

God can encourage His servants whenever they need 
encouragement ? 

We may be instructed even by our dreams ? 

We should worship and praise God for every en- 
couragement we receive ? 

The enemies of God are unprepared when destruc- 
tion comes upon them ? 



LESSON XXXIII. 

ZEBAH AND ZALMUNNA TAKEN. — Chap. viii. 

Verse 1 . What made the tribe of Ephraim so jealous 
of Gideon ? Gideon was of the tribe of Manasseh, and 
Ephraim wanted to be preeminent. Is. ix. 21. 

Were these complaints in this case just ? 

Did not Ephraim have the opportunity to come for- 
ward and aid r 

Ver. 2, 3. What marks the greatness of Gideon here? 

What kind of expression is it about the grapes and 
vintage? Proverbial. 

What does it mean ? The smallest actions of some 
men are greater than the greatest actions of others. 

How does he mean to apply the proverb in this case ? 



94 

That Ephraim, by watching at the fords, and taking the 
two princes, had done vastly more than he had. 

Ver. 4. Was this "passing over Jordan" before or 
after the chiding of Ephraim ? It was before ; that ac- 
count is put in by anticipation. 

How many followed him over the river ? 

What should make them so faint ? 

Yer. 5. How do we know the precise spot where 
Gideon crossed the Jordan ? Succoth stood at the point 
where the Jordan comes out of the Lake of Genesaret. 

Where did this city get its name ? Gen. xxxiii. 17. 

Why was the request of Gideon a very reasonable one? 

Ver. 6. Why did these rulers refuse Gideon ? 

How long had they been subjected to the Midianites } 

Ver. 7. What shows that Gideon was not boasting ? 

What evidence of faith is here ? 

What in the dress of the Eastern people would make 
this punishment peculiarly severe ? 

Ver. 8. In what tribe was Peniel } In the tribe of 
Gad. 

Whence this name ? Gen. xxxii. 30, 31. 

What do you understand by the words " spake unto 
them likewise " ? 

How does this show the degeneracy of Israel ? 

Ver. 9. What do you understand by his returning in 
peace ? In safety. 

Why did he defer his vengeance ? 

If they had repented, meanwhile, would he have 
punished them ? 

Ver. 10. Where was Karkor situated ? In the tribe 
of Gad, near the little River Jabbok. 

Is it mentioned any where else in the Bjble ? 

Ver. 11. What is meant by his going by the way of 
them that dwelt in tents ? Through some unfrequented 
route, among the Arabs. 

Ver. 12. Was this attack made by day or by night ? 

What was the great secret of Gideon's success ? 

Ver. 15. What was unfeeling and cruel in the acts 
of these men ? 

Ver. 16, 17. Was this punishment severe ? 

What do traitors deserve ? 

What is there in the circumstances of the case to ex- 
cuse Gideon's severity ? 



95 

There were four things. Can you name them ? 

How were Gideon and his men able to endure what 
they did — faint, yet pursuing ? God gave them re- 
newed strength. 

Ver. 18. Have we any account of this occurrence 
befcre? 

When did these events probably take place r ch. vi. 2. 

What did they mean by saying that each one resem- 
bled the children of a king ? That they were fair, and 
beautiful, and noble in their looks. 

Why did Gideon put this question to them r 

Ver. 19. What made the anguish of Gideon pecu- 
liarly deep ? 

How did this arise from the customs of the times ? 

Do we know how many of these brethren there were ? 

Ver. 20. Upon whom did the duty of blood-avenging 
fall, among the Hebrews ? 

Was it considered a disgrace in the Eastern countries 
to execute a criminal ? 

Ver. 21. What do they mean by saying that as a man 
is, so is his strength ? That strength is in proportion to 
age, and therefore they had rather be put to death by a 
strong man than by a youth — would suffer less. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

"By pride cometh contention" ? 

"For every right work a man is envied of his 
neighbor " ? 

The way to appease wrath is to give " a soft answer " ? 

True humility sheds lustre upon a great character ? 

Those who neglect duty are very apt to blame those 
who do not ? 

The indolent want the credit of great and good 
deeds r 

It is unwise and wicked to refuse to aid our brethren 
in distress r 

The numbers who fall in war give us an awful view 
of the curse of war ? 

Sin will bring misery sooner or later ? 

The dread which we feel of a lingering death should 
lead us to earnest efforts to escape death eternal ? 



96 
LESSON XXXIV. 

Chap, viii., continued. 

Yerse 22. "Who was their king at this time ? 

Was it lawful for them to elect a king ? 

Have we any intimation of their wish for a king be- 
fore this ? s 

Was this the wish of all Israel, or only of certain 
tribes ? 

What was the peculiar honor and safety of their 
present government ? 

What was the strong temptation offered to Gideon ? 

If he had accepted the offer, what would their gov- 
ernment have been ? An hereditary monarchy. 

Ver. 23. What was there in Gideon's reply that 
showed modesty ? 

What that showed his religious principles ? 

What that showed his parental authority ? 

Yer. 24. Did he want all their jewelry, or only the 
amount of an earring from each one ? 

Where did they get this jewelry ? 

Who are here called "Ishmaelites " ? The Midianites. 

Were these tribes so intermingled as to be called by 
either name ? Gen. xxxvii. 25-28. 

What are the Ishmaelites now called ? Arabians. 

Do the Arabians now wear earrings ? No ; Mahomet 
forbade it. 

Yer. 25. What induced them to give him their 
jewels ? 

Was the motive the same that induced them to offer 
him a crown ? 

What is supposed to be the weight of a shekel ? Half 
an ounce. 

How much did all this amount to? Upwards of 
twelve thousand dollars. 

Have we any intimation that purple was the color for 
royalty previous to this ? 

What is an ephod? A garment made like a coat 
without sleeves, covering the shoulders. 

How many kinds were there ? Two ; one for the 



97 

high priest, and the other was made of inferior mate- 
rials. Ex. xxviii. 6, 7 ; 1 Sam. ii. 18. 

Of what was the ephod of the high priest made ? 
Of blue, and scarlet, and purple, and fine-twined linen, 
embroidered with gold. 

What was fastened on the breast of the ephod ? The 
Urim and Thummim, by which the priest consulted 
God. Ex. xxv. 7, xxviii. 15-30. 

How was the other kind of ephod made ? In the 
same way, but of poor materials. 1 Sam. ii. 18 ; 2 
Sam. vi. 14. 

Which kind did Gideon make ? Probably the first. 

What was his motive in making this ephod ? Prob- 
ably, as God had repeatedly appeared and spoken to 
him, and had commanded him to build an altar, he 
thought he might officiate as a high priest. 

Was his motive good or bad ? Undoubtedly good ? 
Where was the place of worship ? At Shiloh, on the 
other side of the Jordan. 

What is a snare ? 

How did this become a snare to Gideon ? It led him 
to neglect the house of God in his old age. 

How was it a snare to his family ? It led them to 
idolatry. 

What is meant by their lifting up their heads no 
more ? 

When did this forty years begin ? 

" In the days of Gideon." What is the meaning } 
While Gideon lived. 

Yer. 30. " Of his body." What is meant? They 
were his own and not adopted children. 

Yer. 31. Was it lawful to have a concubine in those 
days r Yes ; she was a lawful secondary wife, whose 
children did not and could not inherit. 

What does "Abimelech" mean? 

"My father a king." Who probably gave him this 
ambitious name ? 

Did this name have any influence on his character ? 

Yer. 32. Why is the place of his burial mentioned? 

What does the word " Baal-berith" mean ? "The 
Lord of the covenant ; " the God who presided over 
leagues and covenants. 
9 



98 



PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

Gratitude may lead men to wrong methods in mani- 
festing it ? 

A wise man will not desire an increase of power 
unless he sees it to be the will of God ? 

In divine worship human inventions are wrong ? 

What may be innocent in one man may be sin to 
another ? 

The beginning of sin is as the letting out of water ? 

The consequences of men's actions may be very dif- 
ferent from what they expected ? 

The abuse of the institution of the marriage relation 
is the source of great evils ? 

Those who are kept from sin by man will return to 
it as soon as the restraint is removed ? 

Those who are ungrateful to God will be so to men ? 



LESSON XXXV. 

ABIMELECH'S CONSPIRACY. — Chap. ix. 

Yerse 1 . Was Shechem a city of note ? 

By which tribe was it inhabited ? 

What was characteristic of the Ephraimites ? They 
were rash, high-spirited, excitable* and jealous, ch. viii. 
1-3. 

What is meant by his "mother's brethren" ? 

Yer. 2. Is there any evidence that the sons of Gideon 
had any design of seizing the government ? 

How had their father expressly disclaimed this ? ch. 
viii. 22, 23. 

What made him think of imputing such motives ? 

What are we to understand by "your bone and 
your flesh" ? Gen. xxix. 14 ; 1 Chron. xi. 1 ; 2 Sam. 
xix. 13. 

Yer. 3. Were magistrates in Israel to be selected on 
such grounds, or on moral character ? 

What was the temptation to support Abimelech? 



The expectation that he would give them offices and 
preferments. 

Ver. 4. What is the evidence that idolatry had gained 
ground again ? 

Had he any right to this money ? 

What is meant by " vain and light persons " ? The 
scum of society, men who had nothing to lose. 

Ver. 5. What was the number of Gideon's sons ? 
ch. viii. 30. 

How many are threescore and ten ? 

How could there be one spared if all these were 
slain ? The real number must have been sixty- eight, 
unless he slew some grandson of Gideon. 

Why did he slay these men ? Under the pretence 
that they would conspire against his life. 

Is such still the practice in Eastern countries ? 

What stone was this ? It might have been Baal's 
rock or altar, ch. vi. 25, 26. 

Did the men of Shechem engage with Abimelech in 
this deed ? ver. 24. 

Yer. 6. What does " Millo " mean ? Pilling up. 

What, then, is the house of Millo ? Probably a castle 
built over some pit or valley, filled up for the purpose. 

What pillar is this ? Josh. xxiv. 26. 

Yer. 7. Where was Mount Gerizim ? Deut. xxvii. 12. 

When did Jotham deliver this address ? 

Why go to the top of Gerizim to speak ? 

Would the phrase "God may hearken unto you" 
imply that he spoke by divine inspiration ? 

Yer. 8. What is such an address as this called? 

Was this the first ever used or recorded ? 

Por what is it remarkable ? Its beauty. 

What is the peculiar advantage of this mode of teach- 
ing ? 

Who was the most remarkable for this mode of 
teaching ? 

What did Jotham intend to teach by his parable ? 

1. That weak and worthless men thrust them- 
selves into power. 

2. The wise and good are more ready to de- 
cline it. 

3. Honors wrongfully gained or bestowed will 
result in misery to both parties. 



100 

Ver. 9. In what estimation was the olive tree held ? 

In what was the bramble ? 

Which of our trees most resembles the olive in ap- 
pearance ? The willow. 

For what two uses was the fruit of the olive gen- 
erally employed ? For food and for oil. 

Is the oil still esteemed ? 

How was the olive oil used in the service of 
God? 

1. To anoint the priests and prophets. 

2. To burn in the lamps of the tabernacle. 

3. To mingle with flour in offering. 

How did it "honor man"? In anointing prophets 
and kings. 

Ver. 10, 11. In what rank is the fig to be placed? 
The sweetest of all fruit, when gathered. 

Ver. 12. What does he mean by saying that wine 
" cheereth God" ? A figure of speech, because it was 
used in sacrifices and offerings. 

Ver. 14. Of what is the bramble an emblem ? A base 
and worthless person. 

Ver. 15. Whom does the bramble here represent ? 

Did Abimelech say the words put into the bramble's 
mouth ? No ; but he might justly and ought to have 
said them. 

What does fire out of the bramble mean ? A proph- 
ecy of evils that would follow their elevating Abime- 
lech. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

The most unworthy men are the most eager for 
power ? 

Men who flatter to obtain office are always bad ? 

Men are easily flattered, especially when the promise 
of gain is held out ? 

Money will bribe wicked men to help the wicked ? 

Ambitious men are cruel ? 

Those who fear not God will not regard men ? 

Bad rulers, and bad people who choose them, will be 
made to punish each other ? 

A good parable is a benefit to the whole human 
family ? 



101 

Quiet and good men are not anxious to leave private 
life for public office ? 

Those who promote the wicked to office must expect 
to reap the fruit of their own folly ? 



LESSOX XXXYI. 

Chap, ix., continued. 

Ver. 16. What had Gideon done for Israel? 

What did he deserve of them : 

Yer. 17. When and how did he especially risk his 
life for them ? 

Yer. 18, If Abimelech slew Gideon's sons, how did 
the men of Shechem do it ? 

Were maid- servants sometimes adopted as concu- 
bines ? Gen. xvi. 3 ; Ex. xxi. 7-10. 

Yer. 19. Was this an appeal to God to decide the 
matter by his providence ? 

Yer. 20. What is meant by "fire come out from 
Abimelech " r Discord, quarrels, strifes, and troubles. 
ver. 57, 

Did this prayer cause the troubles to come ? Rev. 
xi. 5, 6. 

Yerse 21. What would they have done to Jotham if 
he had not fled ? 

What does " Beer " mean r A well or spring. 

Where was this city r A city of the Gibeonites in 
the tribe of Benjamin. Josh. ix. 17. 

Yer. 22. Are we to understand that he reigned over 
all Israel ? Probably only over a few tribes. 

Yer. 23. In what sense did God send an evil spirit? 
In his providence he permitted the spirit of discord. 
Compare 1 Kings xxii. 23 with Ps. lxxviii. 49. 

Was this treachery against him right or wrong ? 

Was it deserved on his part ? 

Yer. 24. Are the providences of God against injus- 
tice and wrong ? 

How, then, do men dare do wrong? 

Yer. 25. What was their object in this ambush ? It 
9 * 



102 

was a revolt, with the intent to kill him on his return 
to Shechem. 

What made them rob others while waiting for him r 

Ver. 26. Has Gaal been mentioned before? 

Who was he ? ver. 28. Probably he formerly lived 
at Shechem, and was a man of note. 

What is meant by " put their confidence in him" ? 
Made him the head of their faction against Abimelech. 

Ver. 27. Why is it mentioned that they had this 
drinking feast ? Wine and drunkenness prepare men 
for treason and murder. 

Who was Zebul ? Probably an officer of Abimelech, 
and governor of Shechem. 

Ver. 28. What is the meaning of this speech? An 
exhortation to make him leader and depose Abimelech. 

Ver. 29. What real purpose does this reveal? 

Was his feeling that of a patriot, or of an ambitious 
demagogue ? 

How would he remove him ? 

Ver. 29. Was this a real challenge, or the boastings 
of drunkenness ? 

Was Abimelech present to hear this boasting ? 
ver. 31. 

Ver. 30. Why was Zebul so highly offended ? ver. 28. 

Ver. 31. Who sent this message ? 

Why was it done privately ? 

Ver. 33. Was it Zebul' s design to have Abimelech 
attack the city, or to draw out Gaal from within it ? 

Ver. 35. Where did they lie in wait? Probably in 
the mountains, near the city. 

Ver. 36. What, in this verse, shows that Zebul had 
been playing false to Gaal ? 

Ver. 38. What is there curious in this treachery ? It 
was treachery opposed to treachery. 

Ver. 40. Was the battle carried into the city ? 

Ver. 41. How did Zebul accomplish this? Prob- 
ably by persuasion. 

Ver. 42. What is meant by the people " went out into 
the field " ? Went about their usual occupations. 

Ver. 43. What made this treatment especially bar- 
barous ? It was his native city. 

Ver. 45. What did he intend to signify by sowing it 



103 

with salt ? That it should be a perpetual desolation. 
Deut. xxix. 23 ; Ezek. xlvii. 11. 

Was it a perpetual desolation ? 1 Kings xii. 1. 

Ver. 46. What was the tower? Probably a strong 
castle, perhaps a temple of their god. 

Ver. 50. Where was Thebez ? In the tribe of Ephraim, 

Ver. 54. Did Abimelech's desire save him from the 
disgrace of being held up as one killed by a woman ? 
2 Sam. xi. 21. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

WTiere in this lesson do we learn, that 

The wicked are not brought to repentance by reason- 
ing? 

Godliness is profitable for this life ? 

The wicked have no permanent bond of union ? 

The throne of violence can never stand secure ? 

Traitors will be likely to have others treacherous to 
them? 

Men may rebel against one set of rulers, and yet 
only increase their distress by choosing worse ? 

Boasting and drunkenness are forerunners of defeat ? 

Those who pretend to despise their enemies at a dis- 
tance are usually most cowardly when near them ? 

God often punishes men with their own rods which 
they have gathered ? 

" Where iniquity breakfasts, calamitv will be sure to 
dine " ? 

Success makes wicked men confident, to their ruin ? 

The weak, in God's hand, can confound the mighty ? 

The wicked care more for their earthly reputation 
than for their souls ? 

The methods which the wicked take to preserve their 
names, often serve to perpetuate their infamy r 



104 
LESSON XXXVII. 

GOD'S PATIENCE WITH SIN. — Chap. x. 

Verse 1. Do we know how long after the death of 
Abimelech Tola arose ? 

From whom would he defend Israel ? 

How could he do it ? N 

"Why did he go to Mount Ephraim to dwell ? It was 
more central for the people to come to him. 

What seems to have been the state of things during 
his judgeship ? 

Ver. 3. By whom were these judges usually ap- 
pointed ? By God. 

Ver. 4. Why is it mentioned that his children rode 
on asses ? To ride was a mark of wealth and distinc- 
tion, ch. xii. 14. 

How did the people usually travel ? On foot. 

When are these cities first mentioned ? Num. 
xxxii. 41. 

Was thirty the precise number when first taken? 
1 Chron. ii. 22. 

Ver. 6. Why are all these gods mentioned ? To show 
that the idolatry was very gross and universal. 

What indicates that the true God was not admitted 
among these gods ? 

Ver. 7. On which side of Israel were the Philistines? 
The west. 

On which side was Ammon ? On the east. 

Ver. 8. What do you understand by "that year," 
&c. ? That year completed eighteen years of oppres- 
sion. 

What is meant by "the other side Jordan"? The 
east side. 

What made the oppressions of these enemies so 
severe ? They placed Israel between them as between 
two mill-stones. 

Ver. 10. What two confessions do they make to God ? 

Through whom could they present them ? 

In what manner was God's answer probably given ? 
Either by some prophet or through the Urim and 
Thummim of the high priest. 



105 

Yer. 13, 1-i. Was this God's wish, or was it ironical ? 

Ver. 15. How do we know that Israel understood 
the threatening conditionally ? 

Did he deliver them again ? 

"Would he have done it if they had not repented ? 

What do they mean by asking God to do whatsoever 
seemed good unto him r 

" This day." What is meant? At this time of 
distress. 

Yer. 16. What evidence did they give of repentance : 

Can God really be grieved, as we can ? 

In what sense was the soul of God grieved? He 
acted as a father would who was grieved for his children. 

How can we obtain the pardon of God, no matter 
how great has been our sin ? 2 Chron. vii. 14. 

Yer. 17. What was the object of the gathering of 
the people of Amnion ? 

What was the object of the gathering of the children 
of Israel ? 

What was now their evident expectation ? That God 
would raise them up a leader. 

Was this now their great want ? 

What reason had they to think that this would prove 
their deliverance ? Because God had delivered them 
by means of a leader five times before. 

Can you mention the names of these deliverers ? 

What proof have we here of the long suffering of 
God towards sinners ? 

Yer. 18. Why is this verse placed here ? As an in- 
troduction to the next chapter. 

What do they mean by "head over all the inhab- 
itants of Gilead"? Should continue their leader and 
ruler after the deliverance was effected. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

Good rulers are a protection to any people ? 

To be without rulers, or to have bad ones, is ruin to 
any nation ? 

Men so love sin, that past judgments do not keep 
them from it ? 



106 

No greater follies can be found in the world than in 
religious things ? 

When in prosperity, men cast off God ? 

Adversity is designed to, and if rightly used will, 
bring men back to God ? 

When in trouble we feel our need of Him ? 

God might justly leave men in their sins ? 

If God appears to frown upon sinners, yet there is 
plenteous mercy with Him ? 

When we see our sins, we shall see the insufficiency 
of every thing we had trusted in ? 

These histories reveal to us the character of men and 
the character of God ? 



LESSON XXXVIII. 

JEPHTHAH'S VOW. — Chap. xi. 

Verse 1. Who was Gilead? Num. xxxii. 1; Josh, 
xvii. 1-3. 

Is it meant that Gilead, or a descendant of Gilead, was 
his father ? 

What does the phrase " son of a harlot " probably 
mean? Not born in lawful wedlock. 

Should the disgrace fall on him, or on his parents ? 

Ver. 2. What is meant by " Gilead' s wife" ? His 
lawful wife. 

Would or could he have inherited if they had not 
driven him out? Gen. xxi. 10, and xxv. 6. 

Did he regard it as an outrage on his rights ? ver. 7. 

What leads us to think that Jephthah's mother was 
a foreigner ? 

Ver. 3. Where was Tob ? A region so called from 
the name of its first settler. 

Why should these men gather unto him ? He was 
an adventurer, and probably made excursions against 
the enemies of Israel. 

Ver. 4. Has this war been mentioned before ? ch. 
x. 17. 

Ver. 5. How did they expect to " fetch" him? 
Persuade him to come. 



107 

Yer. 6. How did the treatment of his brethren pre- 
pare Jephthah for this ? It gave him the power and 
opportunity to show that he was a warrior. 

Ver. 7. How did the elders expel him? They con- 
nived at his brethren, and neglected to protect him. 

Was he really unwilling to aid them ? 

Why does he remind them of their unkindness ? 

Ver. 8. " Therefore we turn." What does it mean ? 
Because we repent and acknowledge we were wrong. 

What evidence do they offer that they were sincere ? 

Yer. 9. What shows that he distrusted them r 

What proof that he was a religious man ? 

W r as the work to which they called him dangerous ? 

Had he a right to make his conditions ? 

Yer. 11. Why did he repeat this covenant at Mizpeh ? 
He could have it repeated and confirmed by the whole 
people. 

What is meant by his uttering the covenant " before 
the Lord " ? Made it to have the sanction of religion. 

Yer. 12. How was this first step honorable ? 

Was he required by law to do this ? Deut. xx. 10-18. 

Yer. 13. Was this the real reason, or only a pre- 
text? 

If their claim had been valid, what should Ammon 
have done ? Made the demand earlier, and before com- 
mencing war. 

What here shows that the Israelites were generally 
peaceful ? 

Yer. 16. Why does Jephthah go into this history ? 

Yer. 17-26. What is the sum of his argument to 
prove that Ammon had no just claim to the territory 
of Israel concerning which they were making this war r 

1. The Ammonites, before Israel came out of 
Egypt, had lost their lands in contests with 
the Amorites. 

2. The Amorites began an unjust war upon Is- 
rael, and therefore they took their lands from 
them. 

3. God, the great Proprietor of all lands, had 
expressly given them to Israel. 

4. In consequence, they had held them for up- 
wards of three hundred years. 



108 

5. The Amorites had never, in all this time, 
demanded or reclaimed these lands. 

6. Therefore they were debarred from the claim 
now. 

Were these points, so well put, correct ? 

Ver. 27. What is Jephthah's inference from all this ? 

What solemn appeal does he make ? 

How could God judge in this matter ? By giving 
the territory to those whose claim was right. 

Ver. 29. Was this the spirit of inspiration, or of wise 
courage ? 

Why did he pass over these places ? To gather re- 
cruits and forces, and awaken patriotism. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

Children suffer for the sins of their parents ? 

In adversity men often turn to those whom they de- 
spise in prosperity ? 

Bargains should be made definitely? 

Providences which seem against us may be fitting us 
for greater usefulness ? 

When we have injured any one, we should confess it, 
and ask his pardon ? 

We should be careful not to despise, not knowing 
how soon we may need the help of those we scorn ? 

When we are undervalued, we should bear it meekly, 
trusting Providence to vindicate us ? 

We are safe to commit ourselves to God's protection ? 

Men who are unreasonable are not to be convinced 
by arguments ? 

If God grants us his Spirit, it is that we maybe more 
active in duty ? 



LESSON XXXIX. 

Chap, xi., continued. 

Verse 30. Were vows common under the Mosaic 
dispensation ? 

What is a vow? A solemn promise to God of 



109 

doing something for him, if he will grant us pro- 
tection. 

Can you give an example of an in dividual vow ? 
Gen. xxviii. 20-22. 

Of the vow of a whole people r Num. xxi. 2. 

Were there vows in later ages? Is. xix. 21 ; Acts 
xviii. 18. 

Can a vow free us from obligation to obev the known 
will of God ? 

Can a vow make that right which God has declared 
wrong ? 

Should we fulfil a vow, then, which is in itself 
wrong ? 

Were human sacrifices acceptable to God ? Deut. 
xii. 31. 

Would it, then, be lawful for Jephthah to fulfil his 
vow ? 

Was it wrong for him to make such a vow ? 

What circumstances go to account for his doing it ? 

1. He lived in a loose and degenerate age. 

2. His mother was probably a heathen, who 
educated him. 

3. He was brought up among heathen tribes, 
who offered human sacrifices. 

4. He was associated with outlaws and rough 
men. 

0. He felt that a great deal was at stake in this 
war. 

6. He seems to have acted on a vague impulse 
prompted by superstition, with some notion 
that vows were allowable. 
In what different ways may Jephthah' s vow be un- 
derstood ? 

1. Whosoever cometh out of my house, &c, 
shall be the Lord's, and I will offer him up a 
burnt offering — referring to a person. 

2. Whatsoever cometh, &c, shall be the Lord's,, 
and I will offer it, &c. 

3. Whatsoever cometh, &c, shall be the Lord's, 
or I will offer it. 

4. Whatsoever cometh, &c, shall be the Lord's., 
and I will offer it to him. 

10 



110 

Which of these meanings does our translation favor ? 

Which has usually been adopted as the right inter- 
pretation ? 

Yer. 32. " Passed over" what? The intermediate 
regions between him and his enemies. 

Yer. 33. Does the fact that God helped him deter- 
mine at all whether his vow was acceptable, or otherwise ? 

Yer. 34. Was meeting the victor thus an ancient 
custom ? 1 Sam. xviii. 6. 

Why is it mentioned that she was an only child ? 

Yer. 35. Does he mean that she was otherwise than 
the innocent cause of his grief ? 

What does it mean, "I have opened my mouth," 
&c. ? I have made a public vow. 

Were vows binding unless uttered with the mouth r 
Num. xxx. 3, 7, 9, 13 ; Deut. xxiii. 23, 24. 

Yer. 36. What marks- of filial piety and obedience 
does she show ? 

Was it right for her to acquiesce in such a vow ? 

Her involuntary ignorance makes her devotion a sub- 
lime act. 

Is there any record of such self-sacrifice among any 
other people ? Nothing that begins to compare with it. 

Yer. 37. Is there any account of any such custom 
among any people ? There is not. It seems to have 
been a desire of her own. 

Yer. 39. Did he actually fulfil his vow, and offer her 
a burnt sacrifice ? It is a question which can never be 
settled. 

Why may it be supposed that he devoted her to God 
especially, without taking her life ? 

1. It is nowhere said that he took her life. 

2. The high priest at Shiloh would be the proper 
person to do it, and it was lawful for no other 
one. There is no probability that he would 
do it. 

3. During these two months Jephthah would 
find that a dispensation was allowable. Lev. 
xxvii. 2-13. 

4. Had he been permitted to offer her as a 
burnt offering, it would have been a horri- 
ble example for all future ages. 



Ill 

5, Human sacrifices were expressly forbidden 
by Moses. 

6. It is expressly said that she remained unmar- 
ried, which would not have been mentioned 
if her life had been taken. 

Why may we suppose the question is left so doubtful ? 
Perhaps to guard us against a light estimation of the 
sacredness of vows. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

" It is not good to be without knowledge " in divine 
things ? 

God often overlooks the infirmities of good men ? 

That our deepest joys and sorrows come from our 
own families ? 

The hour of joy may be quickly followed by the 
hour of sorrow ? 

We should be very cautious about making vows ? 

Lawful vows should be conscientiously performed ? 

Making vows in sickness or trouble is very natural } 

We should partake of the sorrows of others ? 



LESSON XL. 

THE PASSWORD. — Chap. xii. 

Verse 1. What evidence of the haughty and quarrel- 
some spirit of the Ephraimites have we seen before ? 
ch. viii. 1. 

What was the real cause of their anger r Jealousy 
towards Manasseh. 

Where did they find Jephthah? ch. xi. 34. 

Had they any ground for their complaint ? 

What was especially cowardly in their address ? 

Ver, 2. How was Jephthah' s reply peculiarly digni- 
fied? 

1, He evinced no anger, 

2. His vindication of himself was just and 
manly. 



112 

What proof does his temperate response to their 
charge carry with it ? That their complaint was false 
and malicious. 

In order to justify himself what does he assert ? 

1. That he engaged in war for the defence of his 
country, and not for his own glory. 

2. That he gave the Ephraimites every opportu- 
nity to join in the enterprise. 

3. The danger of the undertaking was such as 
to give them no reason to envy its perils. 

4. The Lord had given him the victory, and to 
quarrel with him was to sin against God. 

Yer. 3. What is meant by the expression "put my 
life in my hands" ? 

Is this a common phrase in the Bible? 1 Sam. xix. 
5, xxviii. 21 ; Job xiii. 14 ; Ps. cxix. 109. 

Ver. 4. Had this answer the desired effect? Appar- 
ently not, as they prepared immediately for war. 

What further insult did the Ephraimites offer to 
Jephthah and his followers ? 

Yer. 5. What passages are meant ? The fords. 

What is a ford ? 

What was their object in taking the fords ? 

On what occasion had this stratagem been used 
before ? ch. iii. 28, vii. 24. 

From what had the Ephraimites already escaped ? 
The battle. 

Where did they hope to go for safety ? 

What was their great temptation to deceive ? The 
hope of saving their lives. 

Yer. 6. What was the object in asking them to pro- 
nounce a simple word ? 

What other instance is there in the Bible of a man's 
speech betraying him ? Matt. xxvi. 73. 

Does it mean that all these were slain at the fords ? 
No ; it means the whole number slain that day. 

Yer. 7. Was there probably peace during the rest of 
Jephthah' s life ? 

Was the length of Jephthah' s reign as judge com- 
paratively long or short ? 

What was the custom in regard to the burial of the 
judges ? To lay them in their family sepulchres in their 
own tribe and city. 



113 

Ver. 9. " Sent abroad." What is meant ? Gave 
them away in marriage. 

Was the land at rest during the lives of these judges? 

How many years ? 

Yer. 14. Why is it mentioned that these sons and 
nephews rode on young asses r To show their rank 
and wealth, as the common people never rode. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

Quarrels between brothers are usually most bitter 
and violent ? 

Men often show most rage in cases where they have 
least ground for resentment ? 

When men boast the loudest they are frequently the 
greatest cowards ? 

When people have done wrong they are very apt to 
attempt to shield themselves by accusing others ? 

11 Grievous words stir up anger" ? 

Stratagem sometimes accomplishes as much as valor 
in war ? 

Deceit is not only wrong, but it is often the very 
means of detection ? 

When God is pursuing, no one can escape ? 



LESSON XLI. 

BIRTH OF SAMSON FORETOLD. — Chap. xiii. 

Terse 1. In what way did they do evil r ch. iii. 7, x. 6. 

What two people oppressed them during this time r 
ch. x. 7. 

Who delivered them from the first ? Jephthah. 

Where is the account of the deliverance from the 
Ammonites'? In the two preceding chapters. 

Ver. 2. What is meant by "the Danites" ? The 
tribe of Dan. 

Ver. 3. Who was this angel ? The Angel Jehovah ; 
i. e., Christ. 

10* 



114 

To whom had he thus appeared before ? Abraham, 
Jacob, Moses, Joshua, and Gideon. 

Ver. 4. What was a Nazarite ? Num. vi. 2-21. 

Why was wine forbidden? Because it intoxicates 
and enfeebles. 

Why forbidden to eat an unclean thing ? It means 
forbidden meats, which they might not have regarded at 
this time. 

Ver. 5. Was there a law about shaving the head of ^a 
Nazarite? Num. vi. 18. 

What implies that the oppressions of Israel were to 
continue a long time ? 

How long was it ? ver. 1. 

Who finally completed the subjugation of the Philis- 
times, which Samson began ? David. 

Ver. 6. Why did she call him " a man of God" ? 
She thought him a prophet. 

Had she any suspicion that he might be something 
more ? 

Why did she make no inquiries as to who he was ? 

Ver. 7. What important part of the promise did she 
omit? 

Why did she omit that ? 

Ver. 8. What shows the strong faith of Manoah? 

1. He did not see the Angel. 

2. He did not hear the promise. 

3. He made no examination of the circumstances. 

4. He does not ask whether the promise will be 
fulfilled, but how to do. 

Ver. 9. Why does it not say that God sent the 
Angel ? Because it was God himself. 

What employment had she in the field? Perhaps 
watching their flocks, and concealing them from the 
Philistines. 

Ver. 10. Did she probably call Manoah with the 
permission of the Angel ? 

Why is it mentioned that she ran ? 

Why say "hath appeared unto me," and not ** came 
unto me"? 

Ver. 12. Was this a wish merely, or a prayer ? 

Why so anxious to know how to *< order the child" ? 

What do you understand by that ? 



115 

Ver. 13, 14= He asks concerning the child. Why 
does the Angel tell how the mother is to do ? Because 
the child was to do as the mother did. 

Did Manoah so understand the reply ? 

Ver. 15. Was he aware of the character of the 
Angel ? 

What is meant by " bread" ? 

Why speak of a burnt- offering ? He knew that Ma- 
noah was purposing in his heart to make such an 
offering soon, out of gratitude. 

" Offer it unto the Lord." Does this mean that he 
was not the Lord ? No ; but that Manoah must do it 
understandingly. 

What do these words of the Angel seem to imply r 
That he is about to show who he is. 

Yer. 17. What is meant by "name"? Nature and 
character 

Yer. 18. Was this intended as a rebuke? 

Who was this angel? Ex. xxiii. 20, 21. 

Yer. 19. To whom was this offering made? 

Why place the offering on a rock ? 

Yer. 21. What is meant by " knew " ? Fully under- 
stood. 

Yer. 22. What made him fear for his life? Gen. 
xxxii. 29, 30 ; Ex. xxxiii. 20 ; Deut. v. 26. 

Ver. 23. Which of the two had the best reasoning? 

Was her inference a good one ? 

Ver. 24. What is the meaning of the word " Sam- 
son" ? Brightness. 

Why so called ? It might have been from the appear- 
ance of the Angel. 

Yer. 2-5. "Move him." What is meant? Giving 
him superhuman strength, as ch. xiv. 6. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

Men are prone to forsake God ? 

Our trials are perfectly known to God ? 

God knows when it is best to interpose, and in what 
way ? 

Parents need divine guidance themselves, in order to 
guide their children ? 



116 

Prayer will give parents the needed wisdom ? 

Parents must set a right example if they expect their 
-children to do right ? 

Parents should thank God for all he does for their 
children ? 

God reveals himself in such ways and to such degrees 
as he sees best ? 

God is wonderful in his plans and operations, and we 
should adore him in them all ? N 

Abstinence from intoxicating drinks is essential to 
health and strength ? 



LESSON XLII. 

THE RIDDLE. — Chap. xiv. 

Verse 1. Where was Timnath? A town of the tribe 
of Dan, near the Philistines. 

Which way from Jerusalem? About twenty miles 
west. 

How came the Philistines to occupy a town of 
Dan? 

Yer. 2. Why request his parents to do this ? In those 
days parents always made such negotiations. 

How does the history of Samson compare with that 
of the other judges ? 

1 . He had more faults than any other one. 

2. He was aided by God to work more miracles 
than any other one. 

3. His faith is commended in the eleventh 
chapter of Hebrews. 

4. We have but a few brief incidents in his life. 
Was his conduct in selecting a wife from the Philis- 
tines praiseworthy ? 

Was he right in seeking the approbation of his 
parents ? 

Was marriage with the Philistines positively forbidden 
by God ? 

Ver. 3. What do they mean by "thy brethren"? 
The tribe of Dan. 

What by " all my people " ? The whole of Israel. 



117 

Ver. 4. Who " sought an occasion against the Philis- 
tines " ? Samson. 

What is meant by " an occasion " ? Opportunity to 
ayenge the wrongs of Israel, and deliver them. 

What was God's special object in raising up such an 
instrument as Samson ? To show that he could make 
one man a great army, and baffle the power of a nation 
by a single person. 

How was this private quarrel to further this end ? By 
concentrating the hatred of a nation upon Samson. 

Had Samson a definite idea of this plan in seeking 
this marriage ? 

Why did he not seek to get all Israel to unite with 
him ? It would have roused the united strength of the 
Philistines ; and God's plan was to humble them by a 
single individual. 

Ver. 5. How came his parents to yield their former 
judgment ? They probably saw it was of the Lord. 

Does this mean a young whelp, or a lion in the vigor 
of its strength ? 

Were the parents of Samson with him when he was 
in the vineyard ? ver. 6. 

Ver. 6. Was this mental or bodily power, or both ? 

Was there any thing spiritual or holy in it ? 

Did Samson have this superhuman strength at all 
times ? 

What evidence of modesty do you here see in Sam- 
son? 

Ver. 7. Was this a marriage or a betrothment ? 

How long usually was a betrothment ? Generally a 
year, never less than six months. 

What was his object, do you suppose, in turning 
aside to see the dead lion ? 

How does it appear that many months must have 
passed since Samson went down with his parents ? 

Ver. 9. What implies the great courage of Samson ? 

What implies the great simplicity of the times ? 

Ver. 10. What kind of feast did Samson make ? 

How long did such feasts last in those days ? Gen. 
xxix. 27, 

Did the sexes hold their feasts together, or separately ? 

Ver. 11. What are these "companions" called? 
Matt. ix. 15 ; John iii. 29. 



118 

"Why were there so many ? Probably to act as spies. 

Ver. 12. Why was that species of amusement pecu- 
liarly fitted to such a feast? Because the feast was 
seven days. 

What is meant by " sheets " and " changes of gar- 
ments " ? Probably what we mean by shirts and 
cloaks. 

What leads us to think "sheets" were shirts? He 
had to kill thirty men to obtain thirty. 

What class of people wore these dresses ? The first 
class only. 

Ver. 15. " Seventh day." What does it mean? 
Seventh day of the week, and the fourth of the feast. 
Compare ver. 14 and 17. 

What in this threat shows the barbarism of the 
times ? 

Ver. 16. Why had he not told his parents ? 

Ver. 17. Did he suspect what use she would make 
of it? 

Ver. 18. What proverb is there in this verse ? 

What does it mean ? 

Ver. 19. What effect did the coming of the Spirit of 
the Lord have on him ? 

1. It led him to know what to do. 

2. It gave him courage to do it. 
Against whom was his anger kindled ? 

Did he mean to abandon his wife permanently ? 
Ver. 20. By whom was she given ? 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

The selection of a life companion needs divine direc- 
tion? 

The young should consult their parents on the im- 
portant affairs of life ? 

Pious parents will be anxious that their children 
should be connected with pious families ? 

When their children have made their choice, parents 
should try to aid them ? 

We shall be relieved if we seek God under difficul- 
ties ? 



119 

There are some things which we need to keep in our 
own hearts r 

We are made better or worse by our associates $ 

Betting and pledging our property on bets is the 
hope of gain without working for it; tempts men to 
wrong and cruelty r 

We have no reason to expect others will keep a secret 
which we cannot keep ourselves ? 

When a woman is not true to her husband in all 
things, he will be alienated from her ? 



LESSON XLIII. 

SAMSON'S REVENGE. — Chap. xv. 

Verse 1. At what season of the year was this har- 
vest ? April and May. 

Why is this time mentioned ? ver. 4, 5. 

Why carry a kid ? In token of reconciliation. 

Did he know that she had been given to another I 

What disposition did he show in being willing to 
make the first overtures ? 

"Go in" where? The harem, or apartments appro- 
priated to females. 

Yer. 2. Was this a good or a frivolous excuse ? 

Had Samson deserved this ? 

" Take her." What does it mean r Take her as thy 
wife. 

Would this have been lawful for Samson ? Lev. 
xviii. 18. 

Ver. 3. To whom did he say this ? To himself, in 
his own heart, most likely. 

Would it have been wise to have said it publicly ? 

If it had been to avenge his personal injuries, to 
whom would he have confined his chastisement r 

Ver. 4. Are we to suppose Samson caught all these 
in one day ? 

Are we to suppose he did it alone ? 

Can you mention an instance in which it is said a 
man did a thing, though many others aided him ? 
" Solomon built the temple." 



120 

Was the devastation confined to one spot, or through 
the territory ? 

What kind of creatures were these called " foxes" ? 
Probably jackals. 

What reasons for supposing so ? 

1 . Jackals and foxes in the Hebrew language are 
called by the same word. 

2. These animals w r ere very plenty in that 
country. 

3. They went in droves of two or three hundred. 

4. They could be entrapped far easier than the 
cunning fox. 

What are we to understand by a firebrand ? Some 
kind of torch that would burn a long time. 

Why did he tie them together ? So that if one 
wanted to go to his hole, the other would insist on go- 
ing to his, and thus wander, not going to either. 

Ver. 5. Why did he use them to punish the Philis- 
tines ? Probably to cast contempt on them by the 
meanness of the creatures employed. 

Ver. 6. Was this act just, or inhuman ? 

How did she deserve punishment ? 

Ver. 7. To whom did he say this ? 

Ver. 8. What do you understand by " hip and 
thigh " ? A proverbial expression, meaning a great 
slaughter. 

What was this rock Etam ? A natural fissure or cave 
in the rock, where his enemies could not get to him. 

Ver. 10, 11. What shows the abject slavery of the 
Israelites ? 

Ver. 12. Why did he wish to bind them ? He wanted 
no necessity of destroying his own people. 

What was his motive in consenting to be bound ? 

Ver. 14. What marks of cowardice in the Philistines 
do you see ? 

Ver. 16. Could Samson have done this by his own 
strength ? 

Ver. 18. What was the cause of this great thirst? 

What shows that his song was not personal boast- 
ing ? 

Ver. 19. Was this "hollow place" in the jawbone, 
or in Lehi, the place meaning jawbone ? 



121 

What does the En-hakkore mean ? The fountain of 
one who prayed, or Invocation well. 

What are we to understand by "he called"? He 
named the fountain, which ever after continued to flow. 

Ver. 20. Did he rule all Israel, or only a part ? 

Which portion was it ? The south-west. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

W r here in this lesson do we learn, that 

When we have offended, we should be ready to seek 
forgiveness ? 

The friendship of the wicked cannot be depended on ? 

If there must be quarrels, we should not be in them ? 

If we do wrong to avoid an evil, we shall bring some- 
thing worse upon us ? 

The professed friends of God may be so out of char- 
acter that they join with his enemies ? 

The triumph of the wicked is short ? 

The most contemptible creatures can be God's instru- 
ments with which to punish us ? 

Great success is often followed by great trials ? 

When we feel our need, and call upon God, he will 
not refuse his aid ? 

It is pleasant to preserve memorials of God's good- 
ness ? 



LESSON XLIV. 

THE BETRAYAL. — Chap. xvi. 

Verse 1. Where was Gaza? About sixty miles 
south-west from Jerusalem. 

How important a place was it ? The capital, and 
the most important of their cities. 

Do we know the real object of Samson's going there ? 

Is it probable that he had lost much of that piety 
which had led him to prayer in former times ? 

Was it a safe place for him to go ? 

Ver. 2. Are we ever safe if we allow ourselves to 
run into temptation ? 
11 



122 

Why should they wait until morning ? Danger 
seems greater if met in the dark. 

Yer. 3. Did he probably take the whole of the 
great gates, or only the two leaves or small doors in 
the gates ? 

Were these posts the great posts to which the great 
gates were hung, or were they the bars that fastened 
the gates ? 

Would it have been wonderful if his supernatural 
strength had been taken away ? 

Does this prove that God was not displeased, or only 
that his punishment was deferred ? 

Yer. 4. Are we expressly told that this, like the 
former, was a wicked woman ? 

Is she any where called his wife ? 

What does the whole account lead us to think ? 

Yer. 5. What showed her treachery r* 

What did they mean by seeing wherein his "great 
strength," &c. ? They might have thought it was the 
effect of some charm or spell, which they could get 
from him. 

How much is it supposed these eleven hundred 
pieces amounted to ? Over two thousand dollars. 

Was this a great bribe for those times ? 

Yer. 6. Did she conceal her purpose in getting the 
information ? 

Yer. 7. Have we any excuse for Samson's want of 
truth ? 

Of what were the green withes made ? Most likely 
of twisted grape vines, fresh and green. 

How could she bind him ? Either through pretence 
of sport, or during his sleep. 

Yer. 9. Where were these men ? Probably in an 
adjoining chamber. 

" The Philistines be upon thee." What did she 
mean ? 

Yer. 10. Are we to suppose that this was imme- 
diately, or after a lapse of time ? 

Yer. 11. What is meant by ropes that had never been 
occupied ? 

Yer. 13. Can we justify Samson in these deceptions ? 
His conduct was all wrong. 



123 

Ver. 14. What are we to understand by the " pin of 
the beam," &c. ? The whole, simple loom, or weaving 
apparatus. 

Ver. 15, What great truth does Delilah utter ap- 
plicable to our relations to God r 

Are professions of love of any worth unless the heart 
is in them ? 

Ver. 16, 17. What great marks of human weakness 
do you find here ? 

Was it the hair that made him strong, or his obedi- 
ence as a Nazarite ? 

Of what use, then, was his long hair : It was a 
mark or sign of his relation to God, just as a signet 
ring on the hand of an officer is power, when a king 
bestows it. 

Yer. 18. How was she satisfied that now he was not 
deceiving her r Probably by his air and solemn manner. 

Yer. 19, What is meant by sleeping on her knees ? 
She sat on the floor, and he lay down with his head on 
her lap for a pillow. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, that 

When we consent to sin, it is hard to recover ? 

The wiles of a wicked woman are too powerful, un- 
less God keep us ? 

The punishment of sin may be delayed, but it is sure 
to overtake us ? 

Every yielding to sin increases its power ? 

Those who tempt us to sin are the first to despise and 
reproach us ? 

Those who try to deceive have no stopping place ? 

Those who deceive others tempt others to deceive 
them ? 

God is long suffering ? 

Lying can never relieve us from difficulties ? 

Importunity both with God and man has great in- 
fluence? 

Sin will make us weaker and weaker ? 



124 
LESSON XLV. 

Chap, xvi., continued. 

Verse 20. "He awoke out of sleep and said." To 
whom did he say it ? To himself. 

What is the meaning of his shaking himself ? Get 
clear of his fetters. 

What is the meaning of " wist" ? 

What did he mean by " the Lord was departed from 
him " ? 

In what two senses had the Lord departed from him ? 

Yer. 21. In what ways were they accustomed to put 
out the eyes ? 

1. By boring, 

2. By cutting, 

3. By a hot iron. 

What kind of people practise such acts ? 

What were the bonds usually made of ? 

Why use brass ? Iron was not in much use then. 

In what way were their mills made ? 

In what way did Samson turn the mill ? 

What was there distressing in his present condition ? 

1. He was cast down from being a judge. 

2. He was deprived of his strength. 

3. He was a captive among enemies. 

4. He was deprived of his eyes. 

5. He was in prison. 

6. He was forsaken by God. 

Ver. 22. What was the significance of " the hair of 
his head began to grow " ? 

1 . That God would give him another opportunity. 

2. That he carefully cherished its growth. 

3. That by it he renewed his vow of a Nazarite. 

4. That by doing it he exercised true repentance. 

5. That God accepted the renewal of his vows. 

6. That his hair grew with his repentance, and 

his repentance with his hair. 

Yer. 23. How do we know that this festival was not 
immediately held on Samson's captivity ? ver. 22. 

Who was Dagon ? An idol — the upper part in the 
form of a man, and the lower part a fish. 



125 

"Why should they have such a god ? They lived on 
the sea shore, and probably were much engaged in fish- 
ing. Hence the sea-idol. 

Why should they give Dagon credit for what Delilah 
did? 

What hint may we take from this ? 

Ver. 25. Did they expect that he would make sport, 
or only be the butt of their ridicule ? 

"What similar thing was done to our Saviour ? 

Ver. 26, 27. How could the house full and the roof 
full all see Samson ? The house was most likely quad- 
rangular, with a court or yard in the centre, in which 
he was led so that all could see him. 

Could the building be so erected that the taking away 
two pillars would bring it all down ? Sir Christopher 
"Wren, the greatest of architects, says it could. 

Yer. 28. Was this prayer uttered aloud? 

W 7 hat does this show as to the probability that Sam- 
son had repented ? 

Was the prayer, in these circumstances, a sinful 
one? 

W^ould God have answered it if it had been ? 

Yer. 29. W r hat miracles were here ? The restoring 
of supernatural strength, and perhaps a miracle in the 
fall of the building. 

Yer. 30. W r as this a suicide? No more than when 
a general dies on the battle field for his country. 

Do we know the number slain on this occasion ? 

How does Samson's death prefigure Christ's? 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

WTiere in this lesson do we learn, 

That men are not aware how helpless they are when 
God forsakes them ? 

That the senses which are the inlets of sin may be 
the inlets of our punishment ? 

That the wicked will triumph over the fall of the pro- 
fessed friends of God ? 

That the triumphing of the wicked is short ? 

That our troubles and sorrows, by leading us back 
to God, may be blessings ? 
11* 



126 

That great gifts are apt to be connected with great 
imperfections ? 

That great bodily powers give no proof that we shall 
be governed by reason ? 

That God uses very imperfect instruments to pro- 
mote his plans ? 

That while we deeply deplore the imperfections of 
good men, we may exercise charity ? 



LESSON XLVI. 

MICAH'S IDOLATRY. — Chap. xvii. 

Verse 1. Do the following chapters stand in the or- 
der in which the events occurred ? No ; they are an 
appendix to the Book of Judges. 

Why are they inserted by themselves ? So as not to 
interrupt the order of the history. 

When did they occur ? Most likely soon after the 
death of Joshua. 

Where, in the order of time, would they have come 
in ? Between the second and third chapters. 

How do we know they took place so early ? Be- 
cause Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, was the high 
priest, ch. xx. 28. 

What is meant by Mount Carmel ? The mountainous 
parts of Ephraim. 

Ver. 2. Why was Micah afraid of the curses of his 
mother ? 

What shows that he was a novice in stealing ? 

Yer. 3. What seems to have been the intention of Micah 
and his mother ? To make a sort of small tabernacle, 
cherubim, &c, and have a priest, in imitation of Shiloh. 

Were their motives good or bad ? Their intention 
was probably good. 

Ver. 4. What did she do with the other nine hundred 
shekels r Two hundred for the image, and nine hun- 
dred for the rest of the apparatus. 

Ver. 5. What is an Ephod ? 

What is a teraphim ? 



127 

What is meant by " house of gods" ? A sanctuary, 
like the tabernacle at Shiloh. 

Ver. 6. Why is that mentioned ? 

What is meant by " king" ? Any magistrate. 

How could a king have prevented these things ? 

Ver. 7, " Of the family of Judah." To what does 
this refer ? To Bethlehem, to distinguish it from an- 
other place of the same name in Zebulon. 

How do we know it refers to the town? Because 
the young man was a Levite, and therefore he could 
not be of the tribe of Judah. 

Yer. 8, Was Bethlehem a Levitical city ? It was not. 

Why was he living out of a Levitical city ? Owing 
to the laxness of the times. 

Why did he depart out of his place ? Either be- 
cause he was of an uneasy mind, or of a wayward dis- 
position, or he was suffering from want. 

Was careful provision made for the Levites ? 

Yer. 10. What is meant by " father"? Deut. xii. 
19. Spiritual teacher. 2 Kings vi. 21. 

What is meant by " suit of apparel " ? The peculiar 
garments of the priesthood. 

Yer. 12. Had Micah any right or power to consecrate 
a priest ? 

What was the name of this young man ? ch. xviii. 30. 

Was he really of the priestly order ? xviii. 30. 

Yer. 13. Why did he now expect the Lord to bless 
him? 

1. He had a small tabernacle. 

2. He had an Ephod and teraphim. 

3. Cherubim or images. 

4. An ark or mercy-seat. 

5. Priestly garments. 

6. A Levite for his priest. 

What was there, probably, sincere in all this ? 
What that was wrong ? 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, 
That covetousness increases with age ? 
That we may make vows and consecrations to God 
which he will abominate r 



■MH 



• 128 

That a mother's example and influence over her son 
are very great ? 

That what may seem right to ignorant men may be a 
great sin in the sight of God ? 

That the want of wise and good rulers is a great 
calamity ? 

That men may have outward consecration, and yet 
know nothing about real religion ? 

That those who roam abroad are most likely to aid 
others to sin for money ? 

That men may rely upon what they have done for a 
blessing when God abhors them ? 



LESSON XLVII, 

LAISH IS DESTROYED. — Chap, xviii. 

Yerse 1. "In those days." What days ? About the 
time of the events in the last chapter. 

Was this the whole tribe of Dan, or only a part? 
ver. 16-21. 

How many does it mean ? 

Does it mean that they had received no inheritance, 
or that they had not taken possession of it ? Josh, 
xix. 40-47. 

Ver. 2. Did they lodge in the house of Micah ? ver. 3. 

Ver. 3. How did they know the voice of the young 
man? The tribe of Ephraim pronounced differently 
from the rest. ch. xii. 6. 

What is the design of these questions ? 

Ver. 5. Why were not these Danites indignant at 
finding there a rival of Shiloh ? 

Had these men probably consulted the oracle at Shiloh 
before they set out ? 

Ver. 6. What is there ambiguous in this reply ? 

Why did he give a cunning answer ? 

"Laish." What is it called by Joshua? Josh. 
xix. 47. 

What w r as it afterwards called ? ver. 29. 

What kind of colony were these people ? 



129 

What kind of land was it ? ver. 9, 10. 

" No business." Does this imply indolence ? 

Ver. 9. Was this a correct report ? 

May all do more than we do, if we are not slothful r 

Ver. 11. Wiry not send more? 

What weapons did they use ? 

Ver. 12. What does " Mahaneh-D an" mean? The 
camp of Dan. 

Did they encamp in the city, or near it ? 

Ver. 14. Why did they wish to take the young man 
with them ? 

How had they, probably, interpreted his former 
answer ? 

Ver. 15. What is the meaning of " turned in thith- 
erward" ? Turned aside to Micah' s house. 

Why did these men stand at the gate ? 

Ver" 17. " Came in thither." What is the mean- 
ing ? Came into Micah's tabernacle. 

Why is it mentioned that the young man stood with 
the six hundred ? They probably detained him while 
five robbed his tabernacle. 

Ver. 18. Who are meant by " these " ? 

Ver. 19. "Lay thy hand on thy mouth." The 
meaning ? Job xxi. 5 ; Pro v. xxx. 32. 

Was this a whole tribe, or only a small part ? 

Ver. 20. Why "glad"? His ambition would be 
gratified. 

What was there ungrateful in this ? 

WTiat is meant by his going in the midst of the peo- 
ple ? Took his images in the centre for safety. 

Ver. 21. What is meant by " carriage " ? Baggage 
and furniture. 

Why place their families in the front ? For fear of 
an attack from Micah and his friends. 

Ver. 23. Did they ask this for information, or for 
talk? 

Ver. 24. What evidence of infatuation is here ? 

Ver. 25. How is this the argument of banditti ? That 
might gives right. They first steal, and then are ready 
to murder. 

Ver. 26. In what respects was Micah wise here ? 

Ver. 27. Why did they burn the city ? Most likely 
it was necessary in order to conquer it ? 



130 

Yer. 29. Why did they call it "Dan" ? To show 
after generations that they belonged to the tribe of Dan. 

What was there peculiar to this city in after times ? 
It was the northern boundary — "from Dan to Beer- 
sheba." 

Yer. 30. Of what was this the beginning? Idolatry 
in and through all Israel. 

What captivity is here referred to ? That of Shal- 
maneser, king of Assyria. 

Yer. 31. Why is this mentioned, when, in the pre- 
ceding verse, the time is stated ? To show the fearful 
idolatry which, in all these generations, continued to 
flourish at Dan. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where do we learn, in this lesson, 

That men are more sensible of their temporal than 
of their spiritual wants ? 

That wicked men want some form of religion ? 

That those who do not pray often want others to 
pray for them ? 

That to be without laws and rulers is unsafe ? 

That might does not give right ? 

That robbery will, in the end, be a heavy curse ? 

That the great object of false teachers is their worldly 
good? 

That idols cannot help their worshippers ? 

That robbery prepares the way for murder ? 

That the beginning of evil is as when one lets out 
water ? 

That God abhors worship which is the product of 
robbery ? 



LESSON XLYIII. 

THE LEYITE AND HIS CONCUBINE. — Chap. xix. 

Yerse 1. What " days " are here referred to ? 
What is the object of recording this tragical story ? 
To show the results of having no government. 



131 

What is meant by " concubine " ? A secondary 
wife. [He is called husband, ver. 3.] 

Was there any thing disreputable in such marriages 
in those times ? 

Ver. 3 . What is meant by « ■ speaking privily to her " ? 
To conciliate her affections, and to forgive her. 

Why did her father rejoice to meet the Levite ? 

Ver. 4. Who "lodged" there? 

Ver. 5. " Comfort thy heart." What does it mean ? 
Refresh thy spirits. 

Ver. 8 . What shows that this delay was unwise ? 

Ver. 12. Who were the Jebusites ? 

How came they to inhabit Jerusalem ? ch. i. 8. 

Ver. 13. How far was Gibeah from Jerusalem? 
About four miles. 

How far from II amah ? Six miles. 

Ver. 15. Why did they not go to a public house? 
Such houses probably did not exist then. 

How were strangers entertained ? By private hos- 
pitality. 

How do the Eastern people esteem this duty ? Job 
xxxi. 32. 

Ver. 16. Do we know the name of this old Is- 
raelite ? 

Why is it mentioned that he was from Mount 
Ephraim ? To show that he was a stranger, and from 
another tribe. 

In what respects did this place resemble Sodom ? 

What man in Sodom did this old man resemble ? 

Ver. 18. What did he mean by his going to the house 
of the Lord? Going to minister in the tabernacle. 

Why mention that he has food and fodder ? To show 
that he merely wants a shelter. 

Ver. 20. What shows the kindness of the old man? 

Why would he not have him lodge in the streets ? 
It would be a reproach to the hospitality of the city. 

Ver. 22. Does this imply, necessarily, undue hi- 
larity? 

Who are meant by sons of Belial? Deut. xiii. 13. 
The vilest of men. 

What shows their shameless character ? 

Ver. 24. Could any circumstances justify a father in 
making such a proposal ? 



132 

Ver. 25. How do we account for this act of the hus- 
band ? He expected to save his own life by it. 

Ver. 26. What shows his utter heartlessness ? 

What was it his duty to have done ? Defended his 
wife, and cast himself upon Providence. 

Yer. 27. What wrong had she done for which this 
may have been the punishment ? 

Does this extenuate the enormous guilt of the men 
of Gibeah? 

Ver. 28. "None answered." What is the meaning ? 
That she was dead. 

Ver. 29. What shows the barbarism of those times ?' 

What would he send with the pieces ? A particular 
account of the whole affair. 

Why could he not appeal to the laws ? 

Ver. 30. What leads us to think that the whole nation 
felt that a curse was laid upon them to avenge the 
Levite ? 

1. They actually took up arms. 

2. They swore not to return till they had avenged 
the wrong, ch. xx. 8, 9. 

3. They put all in Gibeah to the sword. 

4. They swore not to give their daughters to the 
Benjamites. xxi. 1-18. 

5. Swearing to kill every Israelite who would 
not take up arms against Benjamin, ch. xxi. 5. 

Is this enormous wickedness ever alluded to again 
in the Bible ? Josh. ix. 9. 

"Consider it, take advice," &c. What is the mean- 
ing ? Hold a national council, as in the next chapter. 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where do we learn, 

That when civil government is wanting, crimes 
abound ? 

That even hospitality should not urge our friends out 
of the path of duty ? 

That we should never let judgment be overruled by 
importunity ? 

That sometimes there is great safety in saying no ? 

That what can be done in the morning should not 
be left till afternoon ? 



133 

That diligence in business is conducive of a gen- 
erous character ? 

That hospitality blesses both the giver and the 
receiver : 

That sin seems more terrible when committed by 
the professed friends of God : 

That habitual sin deadens all sense of shame, of 
pity, and compassion r Ps. xxvi. 9. 

that in our troubles we feel the need of the sympa- 
thy and counsels of others r 

That customs which seem barbarous in one age may 
not in another r 



LESSOX XLIX. 

THE WAR. — Chap. xx. 

Yerse 1. What is meant " from Dan to Beersheba " r 

What is meant by the " land of Gilead " ? That 
portion which lay east of the Jordan. 

Why did they meet at Mizpeh when the tabernacle 
was at Shiloh : They seemed to meet there as a ren- 
dezvous previous to going to Shiloh to consult the 
Lord. 

How far was Mizpeh from Shiloh? A very short 
distance. 

Ver. 2. What was praiseworthy in this assembly r 

1. The feeling that such an outrage should not 
pass unpunished. 

2. They were prompt to come together. 

3. They were wise to consult before acting. 

4. It was wise to make the aged fathers prom- 
inent. 

5. They did not forget their dependence on God's 
wisdom and power. 

Ver. 3. Why did not the rest of Benjamin, except 
Gibeah, join in this assembly ? 

Ver. 4. Whom could the Levite bring as the wit- 
nesses of the deed ? 

Yer. 5. For what is this narrative of the Levite re- 
markable r 

12 



134 

It is very brief. 
It is direct. 
It is unimpassioned. 
It is truthful. 

Ver. 8. Who decided what they would do ? 

How many were there in this unanimous vote ? ver. 2. 

"Would not go home — till what ? 

Ver. 9. What proportion of the army was drafted 
to provide food for the army ? 

Ver. 12, 13. Was this demand proper, just, and 
reasonable ? 

How did the whole tribe of Benjamin become par- 
takers of the guilt of Gibeah ? 

What ought they to have done ? 

Ver. 16. Why is this peculiar skill mentioned? To 
show that their hope of maintaining their ground was 
not utterly desperate. 

To what part of modern armies do these correspond ? 
The sharpshooters. 

Ver. 18. What is meant by the " house of God"? 

What very important question do they omit to ask? 
Whether they should go against Benjamin at all. 

Might they have been forbidden if they had ? 

Why should they ask this when Judah had been ap- 
pointed? ch. i. 2. 

Ver. 20, 21. Of what great sin had Israel been guilty 
for which this might be a judgment ? The unpunished 
idolatry brought in by the Danites. 

Ver. 22. Why did they make trial on the same spot ? 

Ver. 23. What makes it probable their worship was 
insincere ? They did not ask counsel of God till they 
had made all their preparations to fight again. 

What does God mean by saying, "Go up" ? Sim- 
ply, that Benjamin deserves punishment. 

What was displeasing to God? Their motives - 
drawing near to him with their lips, while their hearts 
were far from him. 

Ver. 24, 25. What two great lessons does this de- 
feat teach ? 

1* That God may have wider views than men. 
2. That our motives, as well as our cause, must j 
be right, to receive his approbation. 



135 

Ver. 26. What had they trusted to ? The goodness 
of their cause and their superior numbers. 

What shows that their worship was not sincere ? 

Ver. 28. What shows that these events took place 
soon after the death of Joshua ? 

Ver. 29-48. When God assured them of victory, why 
so careful to use the means ? 

Was this unnecessary severity ? 

PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where do we learn, by this lesson, 

That we may abhor the sins of others without abhor- 
ring our own ? 

That we should never punish till we have all the 
facts ? 

That when we neglect to ask counsel of God, and 
trust to our own wisdom, we shall be likely to fail? 

That those who screen criminals are partakers of their 
guilt? 

That the race is not always to the swift, nor the bat- 
tle to the strong ? 

That numbers are of no avail if God be not with us ? 

That we may draw near to God in worship while we 
do not forsake our sins ? 

That to submit our will and wisdom to God is the 
way of safety ? 

That the wicked, both in this world and the next, 
may be used to punish one another ? 



LESSON L. 

THE BENJAMITES SEEK WIVES. — Chap. xxi. 

Verse 1. When had they thus sworn ? At the com- 
mencement of the war just narrated. 

Was this hasty oath wise or right ? 

Ver. 2. What change of feeling is here manifested? 

Did they do well to wait upon God in their troubles? 

Ver. 3. Is this the language of irreverence or of 
self-reproach ? 



136 

What was their peculiar difficulty now ? To know how 
to get absolved from their oath. 

Yer. 4. Why not use the altar already at Shiloh ? 
They probably wanted a larger one, to offer many sacri- 
fices on this extraordinary occasion. 

Ver. 5. What is "a great oath " ? An oath with 
fearful curses on themselves if they did not keep it. 

Yer. 6. How nearly was the tribe to being cut off? 
xx. 47. 

Yer. 8. Why had not the men of Jabesh-Gilead gone 
with them ? 

Was that conniving at the sin of Gibeah ? 

Yer. 10. Are we to suppose that all these acts were 
approved of God because they are recorded ? By no 
means. 

Was it right to smite Jabesh-Gilead so summarily and 
severely ? 

Yer. 12. How could the maiden be distinguished 
from the married woman ? By her dress. 

"Lithe land of Canaan." What does that mean? 
On the west side of Jordan, some fifteen miles distant. 

Yer. 13. What is meant by " speaking to Benja- 
min " ? 

Yer. 14. How many came ? 

How many would now lack wives ? 

Yer. 15. Did they mean to blame the Lord, or rec- 
ognize his providence ? 

In what sense had the Lord made a breach ? 

Yer. 19. Does this mean a feast of eating, or, simply, 
a season of recreation ? 

Was it certain that the young maidens would come 
there? ver. 21. 

Was this in Shiloh, or near it ? Most likely. 

Yer. 20, 21. Does God approve of wrong doing be- 
cause he permits it or its history to be recorded ? 

What evils would this conduct encourage ? 

What was the cause of all this evil ? Excited pas- 
sion and rash vows. 

Yer. 23. Were these maidens of the children of 
Israel ? Of what tribe ? 

Did this trick really release them from their vow, so 
that they did not break it ? 



137 

How long after the great battle did the army thus 
keep together? ch. xx. 47. 

Were these women probably better off than if they 
had married in their own tribe ? ver. 23. 

Ver. 25. What is the object of God, as here inti- 
mated, in having these things recorded ? 

How does this narrative afford strong proof of the 
authenticity of the Bible ? Because it is so impartial. 

What is the state of the human heart as seen in these 
transactions ? 

PKACTICAL QUESTIONS. 

Where in this lesson do we learn, 

That vows and promises made in passion are likely 
to be followed by repentance r 

That civil wars are apt to be the most terrible r 

That we may be very scrupulous about some things, 
and very loose about others r 

That the conscience, unless enlightened by the word 
of God, is an unsafe guide ? 

That he who trusts to his own heart is a fool r 

That marriages which are in themselves unwise and 
improper should be acquiesced in when once made ? 

That soft words will turn away anger r 

That zeal for justice may become injustice ? 

That we should be thankful that the Lord God 
omnipotent reigneth, and that the world is not left to 
men to manage ? 

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